Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales were founded in 1876 by Blessed Louis Brisson at the encouragement of Sister Mary de Sales Chappuis.
From its founding in France, the order expanded to Holland, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in the late 1800s. The word Oblate means “offering” and each individual Oblate dedicates himself to serving God by imitating the life and virtues of St. Francis de Sales. The Oblates do this primarily through the practice of the Spiritual Directory, a small book that contains St. Francis de Sales’ teachings on how to remain in God’s presence throughout the day even in the midst of one’s daily activities.
The Oblates are involved in three primary ministries: education of youth; pastoral ministry; and the foreign missions in various countries throughout the world.
The spirit of St. Francis de Sales is love. We pledge to give the future generations of Toledo men from this school who will be outstanding citizens, Catholics, and Americans...the Oblates will produce generations of loyal sons worthy of St. Francis de Sales."
VERY REV. WILLIAM BUCKLEY, OSFSGroundbreaking Ceremony October 3, 1954
Our Spiritual Leaders
When something is important to you, you give your life to it. Very Rev. Joseph A. Newman, OSFS '03
