ICSS Newsletter

Salesian Studies Worldwide Number 10 • March-April 2002

A Double Tribute de Sales. It was there that he fell in love Thonon along with Henri Baud. In the with the Oblates and with St. Francis 1950’s, Fr. Reisinger, OSFS, of the The ICSS pays special tribute to two de Sales. Austrian Province gave over to Fr. recently deceased Oblates who have L’Honoré the leadership of the After he earned his bachelor’s degree, been in the forefront of zealously, cre- “Journées salésiennes” which he found- he made his novitiate at Marin and atively and tirelessly promoting ed in the Congregation of the Oblates then his first profession of vows in Salesian spirituality — Fr. Henry to study St. and to 1938. His religious formation was L’Honoré of the French Province and make him known. Fr. L’Honoré put all interrupted by compulsory military Fr. Joseph Power of the Toledo-Detroit of his energy into it and extended its service, where he experienced fighting Province. We are indebted to Fr. Jean influence to an international audience. firsthand in World War II. He later Gayet, member of the ICSS and his fel- He organized 40 of these annual con- completed his theological studies at low French Oblate, for supplying the ferences! The one of 1967 had an the University of Fribourg, information on Fr. L’Honoré and to Dr. exceptional importance on the occa- Switzerland. In the course of his priest- Wendy Wright for her beautifully sion of the 400th anniversary celebra- ly and religious life, he held many moving eulogy at Fr. Power’s funeral tion of the birth of St. Francis de Sales. positions – teacher, pastor, treasurer, Mass. The 13th volume of the Mémoires et chaplain. Document de l’Académie Salésienne pays Fr. Henry L’Honoré, OSFS He liked to say “A Normand by birth, due tribute to the work and the dedi- cation of Fr. L’Honoré, successor to Fr. Fr. L’Honoré has I became a Salesian Savoyard through Reisinger as the organizer of the to rank as one of and through.” He had a many-faceted Journées Salésiennes. the most commit- personality with a deeply ingrained sense of duty and a boundless energy ted Oblates in He belonged to a number of acade- in serving others, following the exam- making St. mies, and. in particular, was an active ple of his beloved model, St. Francis de Francis de Sales member since 1952 of the Académie Sales. known and loved. Florimontane, which St. Francis de Sales Born in the But above all, we admire his unfailing had originally founded in 1606 at Calvados region attachment to St. Francis de Sales, his Annecy with his friend Antoine Favre. of the Province of ardent zeal to know our saint better so In 1970, he was named as editor of the Normandy in 1917, Fr. L’Honoré knew as to make him better known. At Annales Salésiennes, a periodical found- hardship and poverty firsthand. His Fribourg, he “devoured” the saint’s ed in 1888 by the Oblates . early schooling was in his native vil- writings. Throughout his life he was In 1998, Fr. L’Honoré entrusted the car- lage where he was also tutored in Latin always on the lookout for new discov- rying out of the mission of the Journées by his pastor. The latter sent him to eries dealing with the saint’s life and Salésiennes to the Association to study, but because of poor teaching. “Recherches et Etudes Salésiennes” health a Visitandine of the (RES) Vaugirard monastery suggested to his Fr. L’Honoré began his Salesian founded by Fr. André Brix, OSFS, mother that Henry be sent to the “career” in 1946 with an article in the under the leadership of Dr. Hélène school of St. Michel newly opened in periodical Ecclesia. In 1948, he fre- Bordes. The latter has taken up the Journées Annecy by the Oblates of St. Francis quented l’Académie Chablaisienne de torch and continues the

PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON SALESIAN STUDIES (ICSS) OF THE OBLATES OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES. ITS PRI- MARY PURPOSE IS TO DISSEMINATE ON A GLOBAL SCALE INFORMATION DEALING WITH SALESIAN STUDIES (ST. FRANCIS DE SALES; ST. JANE DE CHANTAL; FR. BRISSON, THE FOUNDER OF THE OBLATES;THE OBLATES OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES,THE OBLATE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES; THE VISITATION OF HOLY MARY AND OTHER RELIGIOUS AND LAY INSTITUTES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE SALESIAN FAMILY.) Editor: Alexander Pocetto, OSFS • E-mail: [email protected] • Fax: 610.282.2059 2• ICSS Newsletter

Salésiennes under the title of “Echanges whom he so loved, was gentle and butions to Salesian scholarship both Salésiens,” being sensitive to the humble. That ever so slightly diffident bear his own name and are hidden Oblates’ “paternity” of the Journées yet wonderfully warm and welcoming under the names of a long, long list of Salésiennes. The Oblates are profound- smile that was “so Joe,” is seen so others. ly grateful to her for continuing this unmistakably in all the photos family Joe lived gracefully between what he, work. and friends brought to the wake and following Saint Francis, called “the the funeral. That smile invited us all Our Fr. L’Honoré has passed on to the two wills of God.” With untiring per- into his quiet, gentle presence. Joe’s place where he will be surrounded by sistence he pursued what he believed gentle heart was pliable too, capable of many friends of his beloved St. Francis was God’s signified will – the De Sales growth and change. Over the years de Sales. Resource Center. Yet I believe that it Joe’s love of Francis de Sales grew to was not just the Center he loved but include Jane de Chantal and her past his sense that through the Center Fr. Joseph Power, OSFS — and present daughters, even Margaret God’s own desire to draw people clos- Eulogy Given By Dr. Wendy Mary Alacoque. It continued to grow er was being realized. Yet Joe knew Wright to include the whole of the heritage of that the full expression of God’s will is the extended Salesian family in all its much beyond our ability to grasp. “Joe Power was a variety. Our gentle Joe was for so And he loved that too. consummate many of us the embodiment, the living friend, with all the witness, of the Salesian charism. Several of you have mentioned how rich Salesian reso- fitting is that Joe rounded out his life nance of that For all of his gentleness, Joe lived with with us on the birth date of Saint Jane word, friend. He great but quiet passion. Joe loved and on the eve of Saint Francis’ feast not only knew but God’s astonishing creation. Certainly day, those holy ones whose vision he acted on the truth he was the Niagara area’s best promot- had captured. They, like Joe, lived pas- that deep in each er of the Falls. And he was a tireless sionately into that ache for God. And human heart is the defender of the environment through Joe, like them, drew so many others — ache for God. That ache is met most his efforts on behalf of the Love Canal. heart to heart — into God’s loving surely between people who love each He had a passion for the church, he embrace. other deeply. Heart to heart. This loved her dynamism and he engaged church (and well beyond the church) is in her intellectual debates through his We will all miss him terribly. But I crowded with those who loved and work on Jacques Maritain. think it is because of him that we can were loved by Joe as friends, heart to gather (both in person and joined with Joe was passionate about his family, on heart. Joe knew and taught us that so many others in prayer) and gen- whom he lavished attention. And he each person is like no other and he met uinely recognize ourselves as a family. was passionate about his Brothers in each of us with his ready love and his What a gift he has been.” the Oblate community, being an active willingness to receive the gift of who participant in the order’s life and gov- we are. ernance all the while gently but per- Sex-Scandals: A Salesian Joe was a gracious shepherd. He was sistently encouraging his Brothers to Perspective the shepherd of a whole flock of peo- more deeply explore their particular Fr. Roger Landry tackled in a sermon ple drawn to the beauty of the Salesian Salesian charism — to truly have the the difficult subject of the sex-scandals spiritual family including Oblate heart of . caused by priests in the Archdiocese of fathers, Visitandines and other vowed Joe was even passionate in his gen- Boston. Among a number of thought- members. But especially was he a erosity. In the hospital, before he ful observations, he recommended that shepherd for lay people – the began to decline, Joe was planning we face these scandals the way that St. Daughters and the Society of Francis how he could arrange things at the Francis de Sales exhorts us. de Sales and others of us he liked to church at Stella so he could continue to call “unaffiliated Salesians.” He “Once, St. Francis de Sales was asked say mass for the Franciscan Sisters founded and shepherded the annual to address the situation of the scandal whom he so cherished. And to anyone spirituality conference which these caused by some of his brother priests who showed a scholarly interest in past twenty years has been so joyful during the 1500s and 1600s. What he Francis de Sales or Jane de Chantal, Joe and sustaining and which has encour- said is as important for us today as it was an incomparable mentor, pouring aged so many to do little things with was for his listeners then. through musty tomes, translating frag- great love. ments, searching bibliographies, “He stated, ‘Those who commit these Joe “lived Jesus” so faithfully. He organizing seminars, sharing his wis- types of scandals are guilty of the spir- especially had a heart that, like Jesus dom, eager to learn more. His contri- itual equivalent of murder,’ destroying Number 10 • 3 other people’s faith in God by their ter- Fr. Michel Tournade, OSFS, meets the Center, celebrated the Eucharist rible example. But then he warned his monthly with a group of young men with the students. In his homily, he listeners, ‘But I’m here among you to and women students to comment on spoke about the saint’s crisis in Paris, prevent something far worse for you. and discuss his book, Un Monde à and pointed out that Francis walked While those who give scandal are aimer; Philippe Le Gros gave two pre- “through the darkness into the light of guilty of the spiritual equivalent of sentations – one at the Université de God’s heavenly love.” (2) On the feast murder, those who take scandal — Haute Alsace and another at its School day itself, 24 January, the faculty of who allow scandals to destroy their of Theology on “The Psalms and St. journalism invited the students to a faith — are guilty of spiritual suicide.’ Francis de Sales;” Mme Tuffier is pur- “journalistic colloquium” with Hubert suing a DEA in literature on St. Francis Schöne, a leading personality of “They’re guilty, he said, of cutting off de Sales and the “Spiritualité de l’in- Bavarian Television. He spoke on the their life with Christ, abandoning the stant présent” (the Spirituality of the subject “Religion on TV.” In his lecture source of life in the Sacraments, espe- Present Moment); Mme. Delahaye and he often quoted the patron of the jour- cially the Eucharist. He went among Dr. Hélène Bordes gave a presentation nalists and writers, whom he has the people in Switzerland trying to at the Collège de France on “les Etats admired for many years. After the col- prevent their committing spiritual sui- de grandeur de Jesus selon Bérulle, loquium, there was a reception for stu- cide on account of the scandals. I’m Influence du mystére de la Visitation sur la dents and local journalists. (3) Some of here to preach the same thing to you.” manière de SFS;” Dr. Bordes gave a the music students gave a benefit (As reported by Zenit news agency). presentation at the Sorbonne on the organ recital in the chapel of the sermons of St. Francis de Sales; the Salesianum, Rosental in Eichstätt on France Salesian Sisters of Belgium have the evening of Sunday 27 January. The updated the tapes of Fr. Brix’ confer- recital was entitled “Happiness Opens La Lettre RES of l’Association Recherches ences on the Treatise. the Heart,” a Salesian saying. The pro- et Etudes Salésiens, no. 7, edited by Dr. ceeds will be used to help young Hélène Bordes (email: bordeshe- A supplement of La Lettre RES contains leukaemia victims. [email protected]) contains the follow- a summary of a study on Book IX of ing: (1) A schema of the Treatise on the the Treatise and highlights of the pre- On 24 January 2002, the world was Love of God developed by André sentations on this book by several pre- focused on Assisi (Italy), where Pope Brix,OSFS; (2) an article by Dr. Hélène senters at last year’s Echanges Salésiens John Paul II invited members of all Bordes, “Saint François de Sales nous conference. religions to pray for peace. To mark incite au combat spirituel”;(3) another that occasion, Fr. Johannes Haas sent section of Fr. Michel Tournade’s, OSFS, GERMAN SPEAKING WORLD an article to newspapers and his doctoral thesis, “La nature dans l’oeuvre Oblate confreres on the topic: “Prayer de François de Sales;”(4) Marie Adang, Austrian-South German Province for Peace of all Religions – on the Feast “Saint François de Sales et la Bible;” (5) a Day of St. Francis de Sales.” Fr. Haas In an article in the Catholic newspaper summary of Philippe Le Gros’ doctor- noted: “On this day everybody looks with the largest circulation, Deutsche al thesis, “L’imaginaire de l’écriture chez to Assisi, the city of Brother Francis Tagespost (No. 120/2001, p. 24) Fr. François de Sales: les représentations where representatives of many reli- Herbert Winklehner, OSFS, sets forth visuelles dans l’Introduction à la vie gions and denominations are assem- the reasons why the Oblates of St. dévote et le Traité de l’amour de Dieu;” bling to pray for peace in the world. Francis de Sales are engaged in the and (5) the French version of the 8th Not only is the place expressive of publication of religious books. He issue of the ICSS Newsletter translated peace, but also the day. The prayer for referred to St. Francis de Sales who by Fr. Jean Gayet, OSFS. peace is taking place on January 24th, used the mass media of his time, the the feast day of St. Francis de Sales. The Association minutes for 12 July leaflet, in order to spread his faith. In Francis of Assisi and Francis de Sales 2000 note the following events, presen- addition, Fr. Winklehner explained are two saints who were peacemakers tations and studies: (1) The Oblate that the Oblates consider it as their in their times. Both paved the way for Sisters made a presentation on Salesian essential mission to disseminate the the “the process of reconciliation” of spirituality at a formation meeting life, work and spirituality of the patron the church. This text is available at: held at the Centre Bernard Clairvaux of journalists and writers, utilizing [email protected]. in Troyes, (2) Fr. Serrant gave a confer- modern means of communication. ence to the Priests of St. Francis de St. Francis’ feast day at Salesianum, The Catholic Center of the University Sales in Avranches on St. Francis de Rosental at Eichstâtt, Bavaria high- in Eichstätt, Bavaria, celebrated the Sales’ comportment vis-à-vis the lighted the new biography about the feast day of St. Francis de Sales in a Calvinists,(3) Mlle. Rio chaired a saint written by Fr. Dirk Koster, OSFS, threefold manner this year: (1) Fr. Salesian session on “God the Father,” who came from the Netherlands to be Johannes Haas, OSFS, the Chaplain of the principal celebrant at the 4• ICSS Newsletter

Eucharistic liturgy and to deliver the ing and to joy. They describe the South Africa, Namibia and Brazil; (3) homily. In his homily, he took the themes from a biblical and a Salesian organizing a study group on Salesian friendship between St. Francis and St. viewpoint. In addition, there will be a spirituality; (4) researching how the Jeanne de Chantal as an example of the series of articles to commemorate the works of St. Francis de Sales can be cheerful and appealingly human 400th anniversary of the episcopal translated to appeal to modern society; teaching of the Bishop of Geneva and ordination of St. Francis de Sales. All (5) the setting up of its own website. Doctor of the Church. At the end of the articles of LICHT are available on the On Wednesday 16 October 2002, the celebration, Fr. Herbert Winklehner, internet at: www.franz-sales-verlag.de Province will celebrate its 75th Jubilee. Director of the Franz Sales Verlag, The annual pilgrimage of the members A splendid feast has been planned in spoke about Koster’s biography and of the Austrian “Franz-von-Sales- Oudenbosch. The Oblates like to cele- noted that it marked an historical Bund” to the church Maria Schmerzen brate with the greater Salesian Family, event, viz., it was the first time that an at Poestlingberg near Linz, the viz., the priests of St. Francis de Sales Oblate wrote a book on their patron capital of Upper Austria, will take in Belgium (2000 members all over the and did it so brilliantly. The German place on 26 May 2002. Fr. Siegfried world), the Visitandines of Gent version is available in bookstores or Schoendorfer, OSFS, parish priest of (Belgium) and the Salesians of Don directly from Franz Sales Verlag, Prambachkirchen, will celebrate the Bosco. They also hope to invite the Rosental 1, D-85072 Eichstâtt, Tel. Eucharist and give the homily. For fur- group of alumni mentioned above and (++49) 08421/93489-31, fax. (++49) ther information, contact the Director other interested people, particularly 08421/93489-35, email: info@franz- of the Franz von Sales Bund, Fr. members of the “Salesian Circles.” A sales-verlag.de, Internet: www.franz- Herbert Macek, OSFS. email: memorial book is being prepared in sales-verlag.de [email protected] the form of a video presentation by a Fr. Stefan Hauptmann, parish priest of film company, with English subtitles. Markt Indersdorf near Dachau in the German province For further information, contact archdiocese Munich-Freising, Bavaria Fr. Willem Spann, OSFS, email: is an enthusiastic admirer of St. Francis On the new website of the German [email protected], or Fr. Dirk Koster, de Sales. He organizes many events to province of the Oblates of St. Francis OSFS. make the saint better known to his de Sales can be found the latest infor- parishioners. For example: as a prepa- mation on Salesian activities and Swiss community ration for the the internatioanl day of events of the Province. Of particular prayer for peace at Assisi, he held an interest are pictures from the canoniza- The Swiss community of the Oblates of evening prayer service on the vigil of tion of Leonie Aviat on 25 November St. Francis de Sales published a pam- 24 January and utilized the saint’s 2001. These can be viewed at: phlet with the title “Bleiben wir im thoughts about the spirit of freedom, www.osfs.de Glauben” (Let us remain in faith). In patience with oneself and beginning addition to beautiful photographs, it anew each day. On 27 January the Netherlands Province contains thoughts from St. Francis de feast of St. Francis de Sales was cele- Sales about ”holy equanimity.” Irma brated with a concert by the wind On 19 January 2002, the Oblates held a Eder, who was responsible for text wood ensemble of the Mottetenchors reunion of former students in their selections and photographs, writes in of Munich. The program featured St. seminary “Ave Maria.” Over 200 her preface: “In these difficult times we Francis de Sales with the title: “Festive alumni attended a conference organ- need to hold a psychological balance wood wind music from five centuries ized by an alumnus. Together, they based on confidence and faith. In this combined with sayings of St. Francis relived the experience of the former connection, St. Francis de Sales speaks de Sales.” Another event was a holy boarding school. The small group of of equanimity… Nature is a wonder- hour on repentance given during Lent Oblates in the Netherlands likes to ful symbol for equanimity. It always by Fr. Johannes Haas, OSFS. He used share its precious Salesian heritage and remains in a state of waiting and texts on Salesian spirituality and the sees the possibility of doing so with expectation, ready to receive all that Cross. From May 22nd to 27th the this group, who are the beneficiaries of arrives.” The pamphlet is available members of the parish are invited to that heritage. As a result of this from Fr. Franz Aregger, OSFS, email: make a pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of reunion, a committee has been formed [email protected]. St. Francis de Sales” to the Savoy area. to plan another meeting for Saturday, 25 May at the same conference center, South American Region The 2002 issues of the Salesian maga- with the following agenda: (1) collabo- zine LICHT will deal with the topic rating with the work of the periodical Rudimar Dal’Asta, OSFS was ordained “Vocation.” The articles will treat in- Salesiaans Contact; (2) forming a task a priest in the cathedral of Frederico depth the vocation to freedom, to the force to focus on the Oblate missions in Westphalen by Bishop Bruno Cross, to peace, to blessing, to comfort- Number 10 • 5

Maldaner on 2 February 2002. On the quickly sold out. A second edition will ture engravings and parchments. To following, day he celebrated his First be published shortly. visit the exhibit, registration by phone Mass in Ponte do Rio Pardo, Brazil. is required. For further information The ICSS is very grateful to Maria contact: Fr. Erich Hehberger, OSFS, In early February, the Oblates of the Isabel Núñez, who is familiar with the Visitation Monastery, 83623 region came together at Porto Alegre, Oblate founders, for taking over the Dietramszell, Phone (++49) 08027/801, Santa Isabel, Brazil for retreat and responsibility of translating its Fax (++49) 08027/830, email: hehberg- chapter. They came from the state of newsletter into Spanish. [email protected], Internet: www.kloster- Bahia, from and Uruguay. A The Que Jesus Viva! website, main- dietramszell.de. This website gives special and unusual feature of this tained by Bro. James Petrait, OSFS, and additional information about the retreat was the fact that two Oblate sis- Fr. Larry van der Raadt, OSFS, has exhibit and other news on Salesian ters from Ecuador, Sr. Francisca added more Salesian pictures and the spirituality, some in French and Bernardita, Regional Superior, and Sr. life of St. Leonia Aviat in Spanish and English. Anna Gonzaga, conducted the retreat. Portuguese (oblatosamlat.50megs. For their talks they used texts from St. “Visitation means to encounter one com/. Leonie Aviat. The most important another.” This is the motto the aspect of this retreat was the opportu- Visitation sisters of Zangberg, Bavaria, nity for the Oblate Sisters and Oblates Sisters of the Visitation who want to realize it by their pro- to get together. A number of young grams and services and by living and The Visitation sisters of Uedem, Oblate sisters from Ecuador and disseminating Salesian spirituality in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, pro- Colombia joined the meeting. All who our day. To help achieve this goal, a mote adoration to the Sacred Heart of participated praised the retreat. “St. meeting was held with the Oblates of Jesus by the Holy Hour devotion. The Mother Aviat with her life and teach- St. Francis de Sales and other partici- first Holy Hour was held by St. ings is part of our life more than ever,” pants in Ried im Innkreis, Upper Margaret Mary Alacoque in the year was the conclusion of Fr Leoclides Austria on 24 January 2002, the feast 1675. Usually this hour of prayer is Dalla Nora, Regional Superior. “May it day of St. Francis. The theme of the held monthly on the Thursday evening be God’s will that we always proceed liturgy, homily by Fr. Thomas Vanek, before the first Friday of the month, in this beautiful communion,” he OSFS, and meeting afterwards was “St. but it can be held also on other days. added. Francis de Sales and the Visitation.” Those interested in this Holy Hour Once a month the sisters also invite The foundation of the Oblates in devotion can contact Kloster der women to evening prayer or a morn- Ecuador would not have been possible Heimsuchung, Ostwall 5, D-47589 ing meeting with Bible discussion, without the help of the Oblate Sisters. Uedem, Tel. (++49) 02825/403, Fax. exchange of ideas, silence and medita- Also the planned foundation in (++49) 02825/7341, email: kloster- tion. For further information: Colombia depends on their support. [email protected] [email protected] After the retreat and the chapter, the The exhibit “Jeanne de Chantal and the two sisters travelled to Montevideo, Visitation Monasteries of Paris” can the capitol of Uruguay. In addition to a Oblate Sisters of St. Francis still be visited in the monastery of the very large parish, there is also a private de Sales Visitation at Dietramszell, Bavaria school which belongs to the Oblates. until May 2002. The exhibit documents The Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Uruguay is a completely secularized the history of the Visitation monaster- Sales in Vienna, Austria had weekly country. In public, it is forbidden to ies in rue Saint-Antoine, the Faubourg meetings for young people during pronounce the word “God,” Christmas Saint-Jacques, Chaillot and rue du Bac. Lent. With the motto “Living Lent is called “Feast of the Child” and the Beginning in June 2002, there will be a Intensively,” they want to reach out to Holy Week “Week of Tourism.” A new exhibit on “Devotion to St. Francis young people with Francis de Sales’ Catholic school, conducted by the de Sales in Bavaria in the 17th and 18th message, to listen to them and to sup- Oblate Sisters, would be a blessing for centuries.” This devotion began with port them. The meetings consist of this country because the Oblate Sisters the publication of the first German edi- Bible discussion, worship, opportunity are well known and respected as edu- tion of the Introduction to the Devout Life for the sacrament of reconciliation and cators. For this reason, they were also in Munich as early as 1616. The trans- celebration of the Eucharist. For fur- allowed to stay in Ecuador after the lator, Caspar Eysengrein, chose for the ther information contact Sr. Magdalena revolution in 1906, when the Oblates title “Je länger, je lieber” (The longer, the Thekla, OSFS, email: oblatinnen. were expelled. dearer). Only years later did the title [email protected]. About the entire work of The Portuguese version of the biogra- “Philothea” find its way in the German the Oblate Sisters in Austria, see the phy of St. Leonie Frances de Sales editions. The center piece of the exhib- website: http://www.computronic. Aviat by Marie-Aimée D’Esmonge was it will be a valuable collection of minia- at/homes/oblatinnen/ 6• ICSS Newsletter

Secular Institute of St. Francis Guenther, OSFS, on the image of Salespuram is the name of the new de Sales church as St. Francis describes it the Oblate mission in Kerala, headed by Controversies; an article by Fr. Franz Fr. Sebastian Leitner. In keeping with The members of the Secular Institute of Wehrl, OSFS, on the 400th anniversary the desire of the meeting of missionar- St. Francis de Sales in Brazil built a of the episcopal consecration of St. ies last summer to establish a forum children’s home in Santa Isabel, Francis de Sales; and a study by Fr. for the exchange of ideas, Fr. Leitner Viamão, near the parish and formation Alexander Pocetto, OSFS on the rela- has launched the first effort of this house of the Oblates with the help of tionship of St. Francis de Sales to electronic forum with comments, the sisters in Europe. When they come Bishop Jean-Pierre Camus. The observations of Fr. Stephane Raux, home from the hospital of Porto Jahrbuch will be published probably in OSFS, of the Oblate missions in Benin, Alegre, children suffering from cancer fall 2002 by the Franz Sales Verlag. Africa. will be able to live there with their The Franz Sales Verlag is planning the mothers and receive medical treat- Italy ment. For additional information publication of a book with the working see:http://members.chello.at/st.there title “With Francis de Sales through the There is an Italian sia/Salesschwester.htm Advent and Christmas season” by Fr. website with a holy Herbert Winklehner, OSFS. It is an out- card picture of St. Daughters of St. Francis de come of Fr. Winklehner’s “Salesian Francis de Sales, a Advent Calendar” over the last two Sales brief biography of Advents, which is disseminated by the saint and a The Society of St. Francis de Sales was email to a number of people interested prayer to the saint. founded in Paris in 1872. The founders in Salesian spirituality. The book will You can view it at: were the priest Henri Chaumont (1838- contain a saying of St. Francis de Sales http://web.tiscali 1896) and Caroline Carré de Malberg, for every day of the Advent and the .it/immaginette- the wife of a military officer and moth- Christmas seasons and a spiritual sacre/page192.html. er of four children. Both felt the need reflection by Fr. Winklehner, questions to enable people to live a devout life in for personal reflection and a short Toledo-Detroit Province the midst of the world. In this society prayer for the day. The book will be there are “daughters” and “sons.” The published in fall 2002. As noted above, the Province has suf- fered a severe blow with the death of Daughters of St. Francis de Sales will The pamphlet about the Good Mother Fr. Joseph Power. We know that the set up a second group for the Vienna “Mére . La confi- Province will make every effort to try and Styria region in Austria in ance absolue en Dieu,” edited by the sis- to continue his inestimable work in September 2002. There is curently in ters of the Visitation in Troyes in 1993, spreading Salesian spirituality. Fr. Austria only one group in Innsbruck, will be published in German and avail- Anthony Ceresko, OSFS, of this Tyrol. Encouraged by the bishop of the able in April 2002. diocese of Innsbruck, Alois Province, formerly stationed in India and now teaching in the Salvatorian Kothgasser, a member of the Salesians India of Don Bosco, the Daughters will Seminary in the Philippines, has pub- organize an open-house in April. Last The Oblates in India held days of lished, “St. Francis de Sales ‘Spiritual September, the members discussed reflection last August centered on the Directory’ for a New Century: Re- “values and virtues in our day” under nature of the Oblate charism and how interpreting the ‘Direction of the direction of Dr. Stephan E. Müller, to disseminate it in the pluralistic reli- Intention’,” Indian Journal of Professor of Moral Theology at the gious culture of India. The gift of this Spirituality, Oct.-Dec. 2001, vol. 14, no. Catholic University of Eichstätt. Their charism was seen not only as enriching 4. He demonstrates that the “right discussion will eventually center on India, but also of being enriched by the intending” of our daily actions can the Salesian virtues. Brigitte Schwarz culture of India. Along this line, make us aware of “their potential to can supply additional information: Shanee Thomas, OSFS, cited these transform our society and our email [email protected]. words of Mahatma Ghandi to mission- world….” aries: “If you come to teach in India, I The November-December 2001 issue Planned Publications say to you that you cannot give with- of Bondings, edited by Fr. John out taking. If you have come to give Loughran, OSFS, contains an article on The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für salesian- rich treasures of experience, open your St. Leonie Aviat, a reflection on her ische Studien will publish its 34th edi- hearts to receive the treasures of this ceremony by Fr. James tion of the Jahrbuch für Salesianische land, and you will never be disap- Cryan, OSFS, and a report of the most Studien in 2002. Among other items, it pointed, neither will you have misread recent Conference on the Spirituality will contain a study by Fr. Thomas the message of the Bible.” Number 10 • 7 of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de ty of the Oblates of St Francis de Sales neur of the poor,” has received the Chantal by Sr. Jacqueline Burke, VHM. has initiated the endowment with a Mandir of Peace award for her work. In the current issue of this newsletter substantial gift. The inaugural lecture Some compare the 78-year old Salesian (Jan-Feb. 2002), Fr. Roland Calvert, is currently planned for the Fall of nun to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. “I OSFS, reviews Wendy Wright’s latest 2002, on St. Aviat’s birthday, 16 help people live with dignity; she book, Sacred Heart: Gateway to God, September . helped them to die in peace with God, Orbis books, 2001, in which Wendy but the missionary drive is the same,” Through the efforts of Fr. Robert expresses how deeply captivated she Sister Pereira said. McGilvray, OSFS, Salesian Accompanied is by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Retreats, developed by the late Fr. Eunan Mc Donnell, SDB, has recently William Gallagher, OSFS, will be intro- published God Desires You: St. Francis Wilmington-Philadelphia duced this summer in the United de Sales on Living the Gospel (Dublin: Province States. Fr. McGilvray is responsible for The Columbia Press, 2001). The book organizing these retreats, which will jacket reads: “Anyone who is seriously Both the De Sales Spirituality Center, be conducted by Fr. Konrad Esser, seeking the path of gospel freedom under Fr Michael Murray’s leadership OSFS, Fr. Michael Donovan, OSFS, and will find in St. Francis de Sales a sure and the Salesian Center for Faith and Fr. Paul Henry, of the archdiocese of guide to accompany them in the way Culture of De Sales University, headed Baltimore. To learn more about these of love. This book presents in detail the by Fr. Thomas Dailey , are hitting their retreats, contact Fr. McGilvray at: spiritual journey as outlined by St. stride. The Spirituality Center now has [email protected]. Francis de Sales.” five regional directors in place and will relocate shortly to Childs, MD, which Fifty-two students have shown a seri- will afford a greater collaboration with ous interest in De Sales Service Works Additional Research the De Sales Retreat Centre, directed (DSW), headed by Fr. Mark Plaushin, Projects/Articles/Books/ by Fr. Michael Donovan. Five parish- OSFS. The newly acquired house will Audio/Visuals es have hosted adult spirituality pro- accommodate five to six people. Those Research. Fr. Marcelo Falcon (email: grams given by the Center. Days of rec- who are interested in learning more [email protected]), of the ollection were provided for high about the DSW program can access its Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, is doing school faculty, parish staff/lay minis- website at: http://www.2desales. a master’s thesis dealing with the ters in a number of schools and parish- com/ es. For more detailed information, see: Christ-centered spirituality in St. http://oblates.org/center/ The De Sales Retreat Centre located in Francis de Sales’s writings, going Childs, Maryland, has published its deeply into the meaning of his motto Fr. Dailey has been getting a lot of brochure listing the retreat programs “Vive Jesus!” — Fr. Jean-Luc Leroux, favorable public attention for both the for spring and fall as well as Sunday OSFS, is working on a DEA in history University and the Salesian Center afternoon programs. Further informa- and theology: “Les deux crises, Paris et with his frequent op-ed articles in the tion is available by sending an email Padoue, de St. François de Sales, Ètudi- local newspaper on current cultural message to: [email protected] ant.” A seminarian at the major semi- problems as seen primarily through nary of Strasbourg is treating in a the clarifying vision of Salesian Salesians of Don Bosco master’s thesis St. François de Sales et thought. These articles as well as other l’humilité. writings and events and activities Magicians have petitioned Rome to sponsored by this center may be declare Don Bosco their patron. This is Articles: Patrick Madrid, “The Heart viewed at: http://www4.desales. just another example of the very wide of An Apostle,” Envoy magazine, vol. edu/SCFC/. To mark the first feast day appeal today of this Salesian saint. — 5.2. It is an interestingly written of Mother Aviat as a saint, the Center In a telegram to Father Luc Van Looy, account of St. Francis’ difficulties in the announced the creation of the AVIAT Father Vecchi’s vicar, Pope John Paul Chablais with relevant observations on LECTURESHIP ON CATHOLIC EDU- II described Fr. Vecchi, recently how we can apply his approach and CATION. This lectureship in honor of deceased major rector of the Salesians, determination to spreading God’s ✢ Mother Aviat will sponsor an annual as a “zealous minister of the Gospel” word in today’s world. Bishop lecture dealing with recent develop- and praised his “integral fidelity to François Vincent “The Spirituality of ments and ongoing challenges in the Christ and the Church together with Saint Francis de Sales,” available at: fields of Catholic education (elemen- his generous commitment to exercise http://www.ewtn.com/SPIRIT/ tary, secondary and post-secondary). his duty, in a spirit of service, for the SALESPIR.TXT. The Center is seeking an endowment good of the Church.” — Sister Nancy Books: Sr. Mary Patricia Burns, VHM, of $25,000 to offer these lectures on an Pereira of Bangalore, India, whom the Françoise-Madeleine de Chaugy: Dans annual basis. The Wills Hall communi- Pope has described as an “entrepre- l’ombre et la lumieère de la canoization de ICSS Newsletter 2755 Station Avenue Center Valley, PA 18034-9568 USA

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François de Sales, l’Académie Christianity, Devotion and Theology: A Salésienne, Annecy, 2002. This is a very Study and an Anthology of Patristic Texts. intriguing tale of Mother de Chaugy’s ✢ The De Sales Resource Center has ICSS Newsletter role in the struggle to canonize the re-published Wendy Wright’s very founder of her order. ✢ Donna Spivey popular, Bond of Perfection: Jeanne de This newsletter can be accessed Ellington, From Sacred Body to Angelic Chantal & François de Sales. at: www.desales.edu/salesian/ Soul: Understanding Mary in Late (The last slash is necessary). Audio Visuals: Spirituality of St. Medieval and Early Modern Europe, Information for future issues may Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, Washington, DC.: Catholic University be sent to A. Pocetto via email: 31 minute video by Fr. Robert of America Press, 2001. The author’s [email protected]., McGilvray, OSFS, which very success- principal sources are sermons by the fax:(610)282-2059 or by mail at fully weaves together his own unique most notable preachers, among them DeSales University, 2755 Station photos of rarely seen Salesian locations St. Francis de Sales, of the periods Ave., Center Valley, PA 18034- and artifacts of the stained glass in the studied. An excellent review of this 9568, USA. Annecy Basilica. ✢ “Heartfelt Faith” - work by Fr. Joseph Chorpenning, four cassettes of talks given by Frs. OSFS, will appear the Summer, 2002 The ICSS is very grateful to Tom Joseph Power and John Graden at a issue of the Sixteenth Century Journal. McNamara, director of publica- parish mission on the spirituality of St. ✢ Two recent books on St. Joseph pub- tions at De Sales University, for his Francis de Sales. Introduction to a lished by St. Joseph’s University Press technical assistance and to the Devout Life, text of J.K. Ryan, profes- that draw on Fr. Chorpenning’s schol- University for all the other sionally read by Al Covaia for arship on this saint and the role St. resources it very generously Religious Books on tape. These are all Francis de Sales played in deepening makes available to continue its available from the De Sales Resource our understanding of St. Joseph are: work Center at: www.desalesresource.org. Carolyn C. Wilson, St. Joseph in Italian Renaissance Society and Art: New Directions and Interpretations; Joseph Lienhard, St. Joseph in Early