Easter Week finds me back in the Niagara Region! On March 26 I was scheduled to go at 10:45 a.m. (pdt) from LAX (Los Angeles) to Cleveland and then Buffalo, on Continental Airlines. So the Super Shuttle picked me up at 7:15 a.m. at Mom's house. The Hispanic driver I quickly learned was a divoced fellow still in love with the lost wife. Ministry opportunity appears anywhere you go. I tried encoraging his faith. Anyhow, the flight to Cleveland was going to leave late enough that I would have missed the connection to Buffalo. So they quickly placed me in a middle seat for a flight leaving immediately for Newark. Coast to Coast. I saw the statue of liberty as we were landing there. The flight into Buffalo from Newark was running quite late, so I ended with more than four hours in the airport at Newark. Thank God I had access to one of the airline clubs! Joanne and Bill Kinney (Joanne is the administrator for DeSales Resources) were there to pick me up at the airport at 12:30 a.m. and I got home about an hour later. Coast to coast and then back west about 400 miles. Not bad for a days work. I am in the office today with a pile of work and mail. We are currently woking on the POSTCARD notification about the upcoming Salesian Conference. This year we will NOT be sending out a full brochure, but only a postcard directing people to our webpage for all the information and details. People can call us if they want us to run a copy off the web page and we'll gladly send it to them, in the case where they don't have internet access. Otherwise it should save us some money in printing and mailing costs. July 31 - August 3: THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SALESIAN SPIRITUALITY. This 26th year the title is "Fostering Salesian Leadership." St. Paul, Minnesota. We'd love to see you there. The most fun is usually the networking of people from all sides of the Salesian family. Blessings, John
3/27/2008 4:37:08 PM

Holy Week in Orange, California. I am leaving on the ominous ides of March for Los Angeles. But then, I am neither a Julius nor a Caesar, so I shouldn't be worried about that date. Besides, Brutus is heading in the other direction, according to the most recent wire tappings. I'll be with Mom for Palm Sunday. Then I'll go to the Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, California for the Holy Week retreat there where I will be presiding at liturgy during the week. I'll be staying there with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. (You never knew he was from Orange, eh?) After the Easter Vigil service, I'll go back with Mom to her house for Easter, and Monday and Tuesday, before heading back on Wednesday, the 26th. Obviously I'm giddy about going to the sunshine. May your week be Holy and your Easter celebratory. Jesus is alive and with us! John
3/14/2008 4:36:47 PM

I have been a missionary now for five continuous weeks. After Christ the King in Toledo, I had a week back in Niagara. But then Lent started and the run was on! Preaching solo in Vermilion, Ohio. Solo again in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Partnering with Joanne Kinney in Tiffin, Ohio. Team-preaching and living with newly ordained Oblate Alan Zobler and staying with the St. Francis community while presenting a mission for the West Toledo cluster of four parishes. Presently solo in Elkton, Maryland at Immaculate Conception parish within a stone's throw of Childs, MD wherre I made my novitiate. I got a chance to visit there and spend a few moments with several Oblate friends. I successfully arrived here in Maryland from the Buffalo airport -- which was no mean feat, and had only a little to do with my effort. You see, starting on Friday, a snow storm began accumulating what eventually would be 15 inches of snow. I left home on Friday early evening to go to a hotel across from the airport, since I was fairly sure that I would not have been able to get of our 300+ feet front driveway at the house early the next morning in time to catch the plane. It was a great move. Sitting at the gate that next morning with the airliner parked just outside the window, there were moments when the plane disappeared in the white out. But two hours late, we were able to take off although many flights were canceled! I have paced myself well, but am certainly missing being home. I am feeling well and the only thing that seems to be suffering is the regularity of exercise. I am working on that. It has been a great number of weeks, and boosting my hopes for an alive mother church despite all the issues and problems of the grand old failing lady. Next week is Holy Week, and I will be going to Orange, California to the Center for Spiritual Development for their Holy Week retreat where I will preside at the Triduum events, and get a couple of days to visit with my Mom as well. Hopefully, by the time I am ready to fly home on March 26, the snow in Niagara will be gone from the driveway and only visible in the "glaciers" created by snow plows along sides of the roads and in parking lots. May Easter be a blessing and not occur this early again for a few hundred years! (The first Sunday after the first full moon, after the spring equinox.) Peace, John
3/11/2008 9:13:37 AM

Lake Erie was awash in waves on Saturday, and on Sunday snow and ice are covering the shore line for a few hundred yards out. It happened overnight it seems. From liquid to solid just that quickly. The view changed radically. I am staying on the shore at Lakeland Lodges and preaching at St. Mary's in Vermilion where a number of people know my Oblate confrere Fathers Stew Lindsay. I have my own little hermitage on the lakeshore. I wonder what Lake Annecy was like in the coldest of winter? Pray for me as I am preaching all throughout Lent. I am well and even exercising whenever I can. Love, John
2/12/2008 11:14:27 AM

I'll be preaching, not in the Chablais like Francis de Sales, but in a few USA dioceses for Lent. 1st WEEK: St. Mary's in Vermilion, OH in the Toledo Diocese. 2nd WEEK: St. Blase in Sterling Heights, MI in the Detroit Diocese. 3rd WEEK: St. Mary's, Tiffin, Ohio in the Toledo Diocese with Joanne Kinney as my preaching partner; 4th WEEK: St. Catherine's in Toledo itself, with Alan Zobler as my preaching partner; 5th WEEK: Immaculate Conception, Elkton, MD in the Wilmington, DE Diocese; HOLY WEEK: Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, California for the Sisters of St. Joseph. The assemblies promise also to be less timid and less hostile than what Francis ran into in the Chablais. I am thinking lately that we will be working on some Evangelization Programs for our Parishes that seem so unable to do anything in this regard. And St. Francis will be the perfect patron of such an effort. You'll be hearing more about that if we can unfold it a bit in the next six months. Pray for my safe travel and fruitful preaching. Love, John
2/8/2008 4:11:50 PM

100 years ago on February 2, 1908, Father Louis Brisson, the founder of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (both the women's community and the men's community) died. So we celebrated the centennial year of his death just this past weekend. // The Parish Mission at Christ the King Parish of last week was simply moving and marvelous no matter which way you look at it. I am headed for numerous missions during the weeks of Lent, which I am told is starting earlier than it has since 1913 -- can you believe that? Superbowl Sunday, Super Tursday, and then Ash Wednesday! All in a row. Several others will be preaching Parish Missions for us around the country. Please keep all these Salesian missionaries in prayer, would you? // We had a completely trashed and crashed computer in the office completely restored -- highlighting how critical it is to be backing up our work. It was very scary for a while. It seems our computers are at least as vulnerable as we are if not more. Do you think it more vulnerable than we are, or less? Would be an interesting discussion, don't you think? // I am well and spending this week getting everything organized for the time I will be away preaching. Keep me in your heart and prayer, too, OK. Turn to the Lord, no matter what! Peace, John
2/4/2008 2:40:48 PM

I will be in Toledo until the 31st, and back in the office on Feb 1. I am very well, and hoping to stay that way for the week of preaching with Mary Malloy at Christ the King Parish. Much love, John
1/25/2008 12:48:15 PM

Our first Salesian parish mission in 2008 is happening right now in Moorehead, MN with Father Tom Landgraff as the preacher. Mary Malloy (from Covington, KY) and I will be preaching the second one of the year at Christ the King Parish in Toledo. Let the season begin! DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc. will be preaching Salesian Missions/Retreats in twenty parishes this year. Thanks to all our preachers out there hitting the road, speading God's word, calling for repentance and renewal, and sharing the spirituality that we call Salesian. At the moment I am clearly well enough to do all those planned for me as well. Check our web page under "Missions" for a fuller listing. We are in the process of preparing a new improved and revamped web page that should be easier to use, and offer several new features, including, we hope, the entire brochure for the Salesian Conference scheduled for the first weekend in August, 2008 on Salesian Leadership. Look for it soon. The details will gradually be filled in as we get them and have everything set-up. Blessings and Love, John
1/22/2008 2:02:57 PM

Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated! While I certainly exceedingly appreciate the storming heaven that everyone has done for me in the last week, I have had to fight off falacious reports of my incapacity, and anxiety over whether I can keep my schedule coming up. I am well. Weller than the doctor thought, in fact! He could find no blockage to even repair. It was "beautiful" to use his word. The only question we have is why the stress test showed a problem. Is it that inaccurate? Was it interpreted wrong? Is their another reason? Certainly from inside the blood vessels everything is looking great. But people's concern quickly became stories of saintly endurance and tragic eventualities. That would work if you had a saint and a tragedy, but neither one showed. I failed a stress quiz, and passed the final exam with flying colors! I'll take that. I am not supposed to lift more than 5 lbs until sometime Friday night. I have a preaching assignment for the weekend, and have arranged for Brother Francis Murray, OSFS to be my driver for the weekend. I am taking good care of myself. Thanks so much for so many prayers! Love, John
1/17/2008 3:22:20 PM

The angiogram went well, and the good news is that from the inside view of my blood vessels around the heart, everything looks good and clear. No blockage. The Doctor said that at this time he has no idea why the stress test had indicated a problem. I sure do appreciate all of the prayer support during this time. Wow, does that make a difference in my heart and soul, not even to speak of the physical world. Thank you. I came home the same day as the test and am lying low for a few days. I have an appointment with the cardiologist in three weeks, and perhaps I will get more questions answered, tho I will be surprised if we are not left in mystery. They do call what doctors do "practicing" medicine afterall. Many blessings and love, John
1/16/2008 10:41:32 AM

I have the angiogram tomorrow (1/15/08). Stew Lindsay will pick me up in the morning, and have me at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital by 9:30 am. The procedure is scheduled for 12:30 pm. If they want to do stints right then and there, they probably will do that; at least that is my understanding. They will probably decide to keep me there overnight. My cardiac doctor isn't alarmed, but want to take action. My primary care physician calls this simply a "bump in the road." So keep me in prayer while I bump through this one. I should be fine. At least that's what everybody's is expecting, anyhow. And you do not have permission to be more nervous about it than I am. Just commend me to the Lord. Hold me in your hands, then place me in the heart of the Lord. I'll dedicate the gracious inconvenience of it all to you in whatever trouble you've got today. We're in this together, right? Solidarity! Peace, John
1/14/2008 1:57:03 PM

Here's the latest health update for me. I had a cardiolite stress test on Monday, January 7, 2008. In going over the results, the cardiologist has pointed out that I have further blockage of the blood supply to the left front of my heart. It may even be one of the by-passes that was done last February. As you may recall, the culprit in all of this has been radiation damage. We have scheduled an angiogram with the posibility of follow-up procedures involving stints to hold open blood vessels. The date of that procedure is Tuesday, January 15. I would appreciate your prayers. -- John
1/10/2008 2:14:06 PM

Here's the latest health update for me. I had a cardiolite stress test on Monday, January 7, 2008. In going over the results, the cardiologist has pointed out that I have further blockage of the blood supply to the left front of my heart. It may even be one of the by-passes that was done last February. As you may recall, the culprit in all of this has been radiation damage. We have scheduled an angiogram with the posibility of follow-up procedures involving stints to hold open blood vessels. The date of that procedure is Tuesday, January 15. I would appreciate your prayers. -- John
1/10/2008 2:13:59 PM

"Human Encounter in the Salesian Tradition" is the title of the new book sitting here beside me. It is a beautiful hard bound 436 page tome of collected essays commemorating the 4th Centenary of the initial encounter of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. The articles are mostly scholarly, although a few are pastoral. Thirteen of the 20 essays are in English by authors that many of us recognize: Cryan, Dailey, Koster, Burns, Wisniewski, Pocetto, Wright, Fiorelli and Crossin; plus a few authors that may be new to us. Five are in French, and two in German. I plan to start it myself tonight. I am back in the office and trying to cath up on all the mail and the triage of issues that need to be dealt with before tomorrow, before Lent (Feb 6), before Easter (March 23), before May 14, before before before before ... I die, I guess. Blessings and Happy New Year!
1/7/2008 4:49:46 PM

"Human Encounter in the Salesian Tradition" is the title of the new book sitting here beside me. It is a beautiful hard bound 436 page tome of collected essays commemorating the 4th Centenary of the initial encounter of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. The articles are mostly scholarly, although a few are pastoral. Thirteen of the 20 essays are in English by authors that many of us recognize: Cryan, Dailey, Koster, Burns, Wisniewski, Pocetto, Wright, Fiorelli and Crossin; plus a few authors that may be new to us. Five are in French, and two in German. I plan to start it myself tonight. I am back in the office and trying to cath up on all the mail and the triage of issues that need to be dealt with before tomorrow, before Lent (Feb 6), before Easter (March 23), before May 14, before before before before ... I die, I guess. Blessings and Happy New Year!
1/7/2008 4:49:42 PM

Lately I am feeling more and more like myself. A lot of the excitement about a day is back. And I can pray with interest. Both of those are different than what has been going on for the last year. I suspect it is freedom from the Metoprolol (beta blocker medication) I was on, but who knows. I do know that there is a common depression that follows heart surgeries and cancer surgeries. I have some experience of both, of course. But the first side effect listed for the medication I was on is depression. And since I have been off that pill (placebo effect or not) I am feeling better about life. The constant sense that "nothing at all matters, nothing at all" has seemingly (at least for right now) largely evaporated. And with its demise, the old energy and motivation seem to be back to more like what a normal experience for me would be. It is very interesting how much a product of chemistry and balance I am (we all are perhaps). And who knows all the factors that effect that chemical / electrical / hormonal / mental / spiritual etc. balance. Very curious, and helpful in staying open to understanding that I have so little insight into my own reality, let alone the reality and inner experience of any other single person I encounter. A lesson in compassion. Thanks for caring enough about me and this ministry to be occasionally checking into this blog. I am daily filled and inspired with gratitude, and have been listing things and people (usually singing it) for which I am grateful. A great exercise. Blessings, peace, and Merry Christmas. Love, John
12/21/2007 11:44:41 PM

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I am leaving to visit Mom in California on the early morning of the 19th. My sister Mary Jo and her daughter Katherine are coming a few days later. By the time various travels are finished, I won't be back in the office until January 7th, 2008, but can be reached if you'll call the office and leave your number and I'll try to get back to you. If you have my cell phone number, then try calling me. I'm hoping that while I am gone to States beyond, the state of our development campaign improves. We're approaching the peak of new developments, but are having some trouble getting over that cusp! As soon as all legal work of our new little corporation and its Board (which must meet in the next six months), and paperwork with the IRS are completed, we will be ready to look at the possibilities of grant request writing and major fund seeking. I'm afraid until then we need some real pushing over the cusp. Ah, but a new year will bring new ideas, and new funds! Many blessings for a great beginning on 2008. --John
12/18/2007 4:28:15 PM

Donations in response to our development letter have been arriving. Thank you for your generosity. We're hoping that the campaign will begin to cover our deficit budget so that we can get beyond that and begin to build an endowment fund to insure our future. If you haven't sent us a year end donation in honor of someone or in thanksgiving for something, we will surely be appreciative if you are able to remember us. ///// Some of you know that I have an older half-sister from my father's first marriage -- Ethel Arbogast just turned 78 on December 5, and then died on December 8. My brother Joe (from Toledo), and sister Jeanne (Chicago), and I are going to a visitation and memorial service in Youngstown, OH on Friday December 14. We will have an opportunity to be with Ken(Ethel's husband), Pam (daughter), Jack (son), and Tim (grandson). Your prayers will be much appreciated. Blessings!
12/11/2007 2:31:09 PM

Pentecost force icy winds are spiriting us into warm blankets and turtle neck sweaters today. I think winter has more than virtually arrived! "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" opens tonight on the Stella stage and the one bulb on the Charlie Brown Christmas tree is appropriately being blown to the ground. The presenting company is "Theater in the Mist," and the Director is our own Joanne Kinney. I am heading out this weekend to begin a parish Mission in south Buffalo. "Going Home" is the title of it and the focus is on forgiveness. The first responses to our Christmas fund raising request have started to come in and the Lockport, NY community receive kudos for the very first response. Thanks, guys! Hope you all like the new card with Tom Ribit's art: Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal on the front with a quote from each on the back. I am well, feeling good and strong these days and looking forward to Christmas already as we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent this weekend.
11/30/2007 1:33:55 PM

Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for so many things that the list sounds like my very life and relationship. Right now I am very thankful (in addition to everything on the growing list) that our next summer's National Salesian Conference (always the first weekend of August for going on 26 years now) just about has all its prestigious presenters lined up, and it is looking pretty spectacular. We'll be reflecting on (Salesian) leadership, and approaching it from several different angles. We'll put more up on our web page when we get it together a little more. I am "greatfull" of gratitude. Our letter asking for support of the ministry is going in the mail this week and we are counting on all our friends to join with us in this spiritual ministry. I am "greatfull" of gratitude. I read recently that it can be very healthy each day to spend a couple of minutes jotting down specifically what we were grateful for that day. The research indicates that it helps support a very positive approach to life, and helps us to ward off the weariness and wonderment as to whether anything is worth the effort. Besides all that it can make you happier. I'm for that! Be "greatfull" of gratitude each day and celebrate it all this week. Peace, John
11/19/2007 6:04:21 PM

A surprise birthday party in California for my Mom was the reason I flew surreptitiously to Los Angeles on November 9. My brother and sisters planned this celebration on her 85th birthday. She was stunned to have 57 people gathered at the restaurant where my cousins had taken her for lunch on Saturday the 10th. Then we showed ourselves! The day was an incredible delight of family joy. I thoroughly enjoyed it am very grateful to all those who helped pull it off. Happy Birthday, Mom! Peace, John
11/14/2007 4:30:32 PM

I am seated on a Grand Jury for the month of November here in Niagara County. I went today and got oriented and sworn in from about 8:30 am to 12:40 pm. We were originally going to begin reviewing cases today but instead were given the afternoon off. I start again tomorrow at 11 am. we will usually meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A Grand Jury (unlike a trial jury)of 23 members simply listens to District Attorney (D.A.) presentations of evidence and if at least 12 us of can agree that the evidence is sufficient and credible to charge someone with a crime, then an indictment can be issued, and the person indicted might choose to proceed to a jury trial. So for the Grand Jury, there will be no Perry Mason defending anyone, no judge deciding upon objections or irrelevance (not even in the room), just us jurors and the D.A. So we may hear evidence for any number of cases in Niagara county. And we are all sworn to permanent secrecy about who or what accusations were brought before the grand jury. It will be like a month of hearing confessions! Everyone will know I'm hearing them, but none of the who what when and where stuff. It should be interesting. I'll be in and out of the office when ever I'm not in the jury room. Peace, John
11/7/2007 4:48:59 PM

To thrive and keep doing what we're doing and more, we know we need to raise funds for DeSales Resources and Ministries. Our ministry is largely self-supporting. For now, the Toledo-Detroit Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales covers the medical insurance on me. It is a great insurance, indeed, with a great price tag, too, of over $12K. Thanks T-D Oblates! The remainder of our budgeted expenses including my support stipend, salaries for Joanne(Administrator) and Darlene (Business Manager), and all the costs of doing ministry-business are almost covered by the income from our activities. That income comes from the twenty or so parish missions several of us do, the twenty or so weekend preaching events I do for the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, the sale of books, the National Conference, and various generous contributions. But that income doesn't do it all. And it is very dependent on my health and earning capacity. So we are working on a restructuring for the future, so that the ministry is predictably sustainable for years to come, hopefully well beyond me. I'm doing very well acording to what the doctors say, but I'm 61 now, and am not going to live forever in any event. So this year's letter requesting your generous support is at the printer today and hopefully in the mail next week. Thank you for your prayers and affection over the years. I hope you can help me and us this time as well as all you given us already. I am counting on your prayers and encouragement at least, and hoping for more if you can partner with us in this Salesian ministry through your financial support. But whatever you do, whatever you can do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus! Much peace and many blessings, John
11/2/2007 12:41:48 PM

Collaboration meetings were great fun and we have taken several steps of cooperation and further sharing than what has already been happening. The Wilmington-Philadelphia Province will have new leadership after this next January, and we can see then what could transpire in the next four years at least. Michael Murray and Susan Gardiner were great hosts. We met, we toured, we ate -- all in two days. It was a special bonus that Jim Greenfield and Angelo Muraldo were able to take part in the conversations. It is clear that at the moment almost nothing of what we do overlaps or is redundant. I'm speaking of the W-P and Toledo-Detroit Provinces, primarily through the work of us at DeSales Resources and Ministries (T-D) and DeSales Spirituality Center (W-P). It will be interesting to see if in the not too distant future, the "DeSales Oblates of the North America" can unite their outreach ministries for more effective spreading the Salesian charism, both supplying and enabling our Oblate members for the task, and reaching beyond to the wider religious and lay Salesian community. Let's call it "Oblate Salesian Central." We'll see if such dreams can take on some flesh in the years immediately ahead. Peace, John
10/29/2007 1:20:14 PM

Collaboration between Oblate Provinces will be the topic of our meetings in Philadelphia on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, October 23-24, 2007. Joanne Kinney and I (John Graden) of DeSales Resources and Ministries will be flying into Philadelphia for a set of meetings with Father Michael Murray and Mrs. Susan Gardiner of DeSales Spirituality Center. Our agenda includes time to understand our histories and exactly what it is we each currently do, ask ourselves how we might collaborate right now given the way we currently operate, and then begin to imagine what we might really like to do, and what we need to do to move in that direction. We're excited about the conversation and the possibilities, so keep us in prayer as we enter this phase of our journey. Peace, John
10/22/2007 4:56:28 PM

Buffalo's Bishop Kmiec will be here on Friday. He will tour the Stella facility, speak to the children, celebrate mass, and have dinner with the sisters. I plan on being here to welcome the Bishop, and to concelebrate mass as well. I hope to personally introduce him to the ministry of DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc., and offer him a copy of Golden Counsels and the CD Peace of Mind. I recently had very good experiences down on the Ohio River at a parish mission in New Boston, Ohio and then a great CFCA (Christian Foundation for Children and Aging) preaching weekend in San Antonia, Texas. We sent in paperwork for 100 new sponsorships of children and aging in the developing world. I will be heading this coming weekend to Carey, Ohio to the shrine of Our Lady of Consolation to preach all the masses on behalf of children and aging in the developing world. Next week, Joanne Kinney and I fly to Philadelphia for a series of meetings with Oblate Fr. Michael Murray and Mrs. Susan Gardiner at the DeSales Spirituality Center. We are working on plans for increased collaboration between the USA Oblate Provinces. We're looking forward to the time together. Keep us in mind and prayer. Thanks, John
10/17/2007 10:31:17 AM

The Oblate Superior General, Aldino Keisel was here alon with our Provincial Dave Whalen and German Father Conrad Esser. It was Aldino and Conrad's first visit to see the ministry of DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc. Joanne and Darlene hosted them, and the Sr. Dorothy, the Stella Sisters Provincial stopped in to visit with them as well. I was missing. I was don on the Ohio River near Portsmouth, OH doing a parish mission. It was a very nice week, and seemed to mark the real end of summer weather and the beginning of autumn. I am on a reduced dosage of the heart medication Toprol XL (Metoprolol) and the effect of the "anhedonia" (against-pleasure) is very largely gone. All the time I was thinking it was psycho-spiritual! Perhaps. But the change in chemical amount has changed how I am feeling greatly. I am currently less likely to write existential despairings of life and the church than I was just a few weeks ago. This is good. Thank you Jesus. Peace, John
10/11/2007 4:56:14 PM

Salesian Conference 2008 has finished its initial planning! The dates will be Thursday, July 31 thru Sunday, August 3, 2008. The place is Mendota Heights Visitation Monastery and School, St. Paul, Minnesota. We will be staying at the Mendota Heights Courtyard Marriott. We are in the process of asking speakers to address the topic: "Fostering Leadership in Challenging Times." We are currently asking different speakers to address the topic through a Salesian lens, and with several somewhat distinct specific areas of life, namely fostering leadership 1) as a baptized Christian; 2) in our family and our larger community; 3) in education and formation of youth; 4) in the marketplace and society; 5)in a plurality of cultures. The world is struggling with many divisions, challenges and confrontations. The Conference will be just months before a a national election. We are under the threat of several different possible global crises. How do we respond as Christian to our call to embrace each other in the Body of Christ? How can St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal lead us? One keynote will specifically focus on St. Francis and St. Jane as leaders with complementary styles. Many details are still be worked out. Check this web page regularly and catch an update on the planning and the confirmed speakers. Put us on your calendar and don't miss out on the Annual National gathering of lay (mainly) and Religious who are interested in Christian spirituality, and are looking to learn or deepen Salesian spiritualty as a very healthy and realistic approach to life in the Spirit. Part conference and challenge; part convention, reunion and meeting new friends; part personal retreat and community prayer; part mind and life-expanding, and all fun. Come and be a part of it, will you? Live Jesus!
10/2/2007 4:22:26 PM

Salesian Conference 2008 Planning is going on at this very time. The Planning Committee is meeting, reviewing the last confgerece and planning for the future years, specifically August, 2008. John Graden, Joanne Kinney, Visitandines Sr. Mary Grace McCormack (St. Louis) and Sr. Mary Paula McCarthy (St. Paul), Mrs. Anne Williams (St. Paul), Oblates Mike Newman (Toronto) and Mike Vanicola Wilmington), Mrs. Sandy Chamberlain (Rochester), and Salesian of Don Bosco Joe Boenzi (Berkeley) make up this year's committee. More as we know it.
9/30/2007 6:24:16 PM

We are now officially incorporated!
9/18/2007 4:55:29 PM

We are no officially incorporated! DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc.! We have always been an arm of the Oblates of the Toledo-Detroit Province, and still will be a ministry of that Province, though we now have our own incorporated existence like, for example, does St. Francis de Sales High School, Inc. It is a step in the direction of sustainability over the long haul. Several years ago the Toledo-Detroit Oblate Province asked us to do three things: 1) Apply and become a ministerial priority of the province, which means the province is committed to trying to sustain the ministry (we have done that already); 2)obtain incorporation as a ministry that we might become financially independent of the province and develop our own sustainability (we are progressing on that); 3) work on collaboration with the Wilmington-Phiuladelphia Province (we already are and are meeting soon to look at ways to deepen and expand that collaboration). We have a Board of Directors (though we haven't officially gathered together yet) and developing plans for eventual endowments to be able to support and sustain the work of this ministry. Lots is happening. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow to review my medications, and see about some side effects. I am at least as well as is today beautiful! Peace, John
9/18/2007 4:54:18 PM

The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints, by Ralph Martin, is now available here at DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc. and it will be appearing soon on our web page and in our catalogue. In this 473 page paperback, Dr. Martin attempts to integrate and contemporize the roadmap of the journey to God using the insights of the Doctors of the Western Church: Catherine of Siena, Bernard of Clairvaux, Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, Augustine, John of the Cross and Francis de Sales. A quick glance at his endnotes and index reveals over 100 quotes or references to De Sales. Surprisingly for a book its size, it is retailing for $16.95. Call us at 1-800-782-2270. I am doing very well and still adjusting to the medications I am on and their side effects which have been lowering my heart rate and blood pressure. So I am still seeking ways to bring all things into balance. Keep me in your prayers. Peace, John
9/14/2007 12:58:18 PM

New Editions of Andre Ravier's biographies of Saint Jeanne de Chantal and Francis de Sales, Sage and Saint are now available for ordering. The SFS biography is wire bound and lies flat on a desk on its own. The front cover is completely the Etienne Martellange portrait of Francis dated 1606. The text is 255 pages with sources and index following. This new edition represents an update of the original dated 1985 in French and 1988 in English. It is a beautiful book and eminently fit as a study text. Saint Jeanne de Chantal is a paper back of the 1983 French and 1989 English original. It has been out of print for some time and we are very please to make it available again. The cover is the Annecy portrait of St. Jeanne. It is 218 pages long with index following. Each book is available now for $12.95. The publication and printing of these books was made possible by a generous anonymous Salesian donor. It is so new that it hasn't made it on display on the rest of this web page yet. But call us and order it and we'll have it to you in a jiffy. 1-800-782-2270. Peace, John
9/13/2007 11:36:08 AM

I have rare available dates for Salesian programs/retreats. Call us to ask about time in October and January when I am available to be in a parish and preach and offer a retreat. 1-800-782-2270. John
9/7/2007 4:17:59 PM

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of Fall. We have completed the 25th Annual Conference, and will be meeting soon to plan the 26th also in the Minneapolis-St.Paul neighborhood at the Mendota Heights Visitation Monastery and School. By the end of this month, the planning committee will meet to review the experience of the 25th in 2007, and begin planning the topic, and speakers for 2008, and also the location for 2009 and 2010, since that last mentioned year will be the big 400th Anniversary for the Founding of the Visitation of Holy Mary by Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. Here at Stell Niagara, the Franciscan Sisiters are kicking off the celebration of their 100th year in this place on the Niagara river. It is also the 100th anniversary of the death of Father Louis Brisson, the Founder of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Lots to celebrate and lots to accomplish this year. Keep in touch. I am well according to all the doctors! John
9/5/2007 5:11:58 PM

Going on Vacation for a while. Toledo. Chicago. Some fun. Some family. I may get to add something later. Both Andre Ravier's biographies of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jeanne de Chatal are being prepared to go to press as the newest publications from DeSales Resources and Ministries. Look for that information soon! Peace, John
8/20/2007 11:51:16 AM

Today I am celebrating my Birthday in addition to the feast of Maximilian Kolbe, the vigil of the Assumption, and also VJ day. I was born one year to the day of the original VJ day which then most people thought to mean Victory in Japan following world war II, but those of who are Salesian think of VJ as meaning Vive Jesu, Live Jesus. I was marked to be salesian right from the beginning! And I am celebrating my 61st today with thanksgiving for being still alive. Life threatening events have made birthdays celebrations of the fact that I managed to survive yet again, and hardly do I worry about getting old. Rather my perspective is, how great to be still getting older!!! Although the alternative might seem more peaceful and less irritating a times, at the moment I am preferring birthdays, thank you very much. Keep me in prayer, since I need it always, and treasure your afffection more than you can imagine. Love, John
8/14/2007 12:04:27 PM

Ryan's Translation of Treatise, now available. We have been successful in republishing the John K. Ryan translation translation of the Treatise on the Love of God. It has been out of print since 1975. The new cover has duplicted a piece of Tom Ribits art work that hangs near my living room. It is done in two volumes as was the last edition. We were bound by contract to keep it the same size and font as before. The Ryan work is far more readable today than the Mackey translation of 1884 as you can imagine, and yet has not been available for over thirty years except in people's libraries. We worked hard to get all the appropriate permissions, and then were incredibly blessed by a DONOR (choosing to remain anonymous) who gave us the money to print 400 copies. So the book is available NOW. Call us if you want a single copy @$14.95 per volume, or call us to figure out a quantity discount if you'll be using it in a group or class. In addition, we have received the money to republish Andre Ravier's biography of Jeanne de Chantal. So we will have new for you soon of that book's availablitity. Blessings on the rest of your summer! I am well and tired after the Conference and will be taking some days off soon. Peace, John
8/9/2007 3:33:53 PM

The National Salesian Conference was exciting according to the evaluations. It came off with 8 speakers, 3 homilies, two evening celebrations: A Midsummer Night' Salesian Dream, and St. Francis de Sales Goes to the Movies. People really enjoyed the facility at the Visitation Monastery and school here in Mendota Heights, right outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul. No one at or coming to the Conference was too close to the collapsing 35W bridge over the Mississippi, although it is not too far away indeed. We made a special point of prayer to remember everyone involved. We also made a point of praying for lots of other people as well including Elizabeth White who was the young woman who spoke at the Confeence last year togther with Michael Newman. Elizabeth is dealing right now with cancer. There should be an article coming in the Oblate publication BONDINGS on the Conference. If you don't alerady get BONDINGS, and want it, let us know and we'll see that you get on the mailing list. I have paced myself fairly well, and although I am tired today, I am well. This afternoon, Joanne Kinney and I will be flying home from Minneapolis back to the Buffalo-Niagara region. Speacial thanks to our SPONSORS for the Conference, who helped make it happen, and also who helpe3d make it possible for some people to be there who wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Many blessings!
8/6/2007 1:15:59 PM

TGIF I am doing very well. Registrations for the Confrence are still dribbling in would you believe. We are up to about 169 registrants at this point, many of them from the locality of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and a number of them in part time attendance only. The event should be exciting and if you're not there this year, we will really miss you, and you will miss a lot as well. Many blessings and much peace. John.
7/27/2007 2:46:44 PM

The cardiologist gave me no restrictions for renewing my NY state driver's license, and in fact he said I am not only Ok to fly, but to fly the plane! The doctors are happy and well paid. Don't get sick, it's expensive. And if you survive, you ought to know that the extended life expectancy of the 21st century is over-rated: Live long enough to experience the ravaging side effects of everything that made it possible to live this long. The great technology is absolutely great -- when it works!Watch the human race continue righteously to justify murder, mass murder, and ecological destruction, calling it progress and freedom. See religion (even the religion of Jesus) degenerate into hierarchical irrelevance and pharisaical knit picking, and imposing its nonsense on anybody foolish enough to still be paying attention. Meanwhile the faithful are CLINGING to any remnant of sense. Sometimes I see the congregation -- well, I can only see their finger tips -- gripping, clinging for dear life to the back of the pew, like clinging to a cliff. Meanwhile various church officials are moving through church with hammers pounding on the finger tips to make them finally let go and fall. It certainly is a time to cling to the cross. And if you can't hang on any longer, just fall into the arms of the Lord. My 97 year old good friend, Sr. Isabelle recently wrote me a note: "Weary of this busy life, Outer calm and inner strife? Even find it hard to sing? Surely now it's time to cling!" She called it a "Pome" rather than a "poem" which would of course be far more sophisticated. So hang in there, brothers and sisters. I am trying to do the same. Love, John
7/25/2007 2:48:48 PM

Everything is coming quickly, including Jesus and the 25th Annual Salesian Conference, August 2-5. The Treatise on the Love of God is rolling off the pressers as we speak (of course, we aren't speaking)-- coming soon. After the Conference we will be publishing the Andre Ravier biography of Jeanne de Chantal -- coming soon. We also have permission to reprint Andre Ravier's biography of Francis de Sales -- coming soon. Everything is coming soon and our "to do" list is frightening. And the deadline was yesterday. I am well. I just today came from my spiritual director. I am visiting my counselor tomorrow. I see the cardiologist on Monday for my normal "check-in." The primary care physician is happy with how I am doing. So with all that, I should live to be a hundred, don't you know. Chances are I'll fall over dead before that though. Hopefully on a convenient date, God willing. But I can't die until my Mother does -- she says so herself. Keep me laughing. It's good for my heart, I hear. I'll try to do the same for you. Love, John
7/19/2007 3:25:01 PM

Treatise on the Love of God currently in printing! The John K. Ryan translation of the Treatise on the Love of God by Francis de Sales has been out of print for over thirty years. We have currently the rights to reprint it and the donated funds to do it! The printing company is in process on very day and we may even have the book available for the Salesian Conference. We hope to use an artistic contemporary portrayal of Francis de Sales by Father Tom Ribits, OSFS. In our catalogue or on this web page, the art piece is called St. Francis de Sales, Patron of Journalists. We will be trying our best to get the two volume work out by the end of the month is can pull it off. A number of people have told us they are very desirous of having this book available again. I am still in California and have just finished preaching a retreat on Salesian spirituality themes at the Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, California. At the moment I am at Mom's; I will be preaching at all masses at a parish this weekend, and traveling home from Mom's to Niagara on Tuesday. Well, I am very well, and feeling very well as well. I stay in touch with Joanne and Darlene everyday I am away from the office; we all play a part in accomplishing each of the projects we are working on. I either look forward to seeing you at the Conference or I'll miss you. Right now attendance looks to be right about 160. A very fine number of wonderful people. But the Conference to be self-sustaining of its future, and supporting of the ministry, needs to have closer to 200 attendees. We must find out why some people who have come in the past aren't coming this time, so we can plan for the future of the Conference. Please let us know: If you aren't coming this year, why? We need to know! Peace and wellness, John
7/14/2007 12:15:48 AM

Like to memorialize someone? In reprinting the Treatise on the Love of God and Andre Ravier's biographies of Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, we will include memorial dedications to indiviuals or families who have helped us to cover the cost of the printing, and thereby donating to us (tax exempt donation). We are accepting memorial dedications of $500 or more. They can be made naming someone, and naming also the donor, or keep the donor anonymous. Contact us: 1-800-782-2270 or [email protected] or at 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, New York 14144. Blessings. John
7/4/2007 2:07:02 PM

We will be reprinting the "Treatise on the Love of God." The John K. Ryan translation has been out of print since about 1975. The only available version has been the Dom Mackey translation which dates to 1884 and is most stiff and antiquated in most people's opinion. We are now getting the bids on the printing and binding for the Ryan Treatise and may even have it available yet this summer. Depending on the funding. We will also be reprinting the Andre Ravier, SJ biographies of both Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, and are working on the bids for each of those books as well. From July 5-17 I will be in California. First preaching a retreat on Salesian themes to Sisters and a lay woman or two. I'll be in Orange, CA from 6 to 13, Yorba Linda at Martin de Porres Parish for the weekend of 14-15 and then at my Mother's before coming home to Niagara on the 17th. Then I will be turning all my attention to the Conference. I hope to be able to make an entry on the blog while I am in California. Much peace, John.
7/3/2007 4:12:06 PM

What a great Oblate week it was! The Province Assembled. The Superior General was there, Aldino Keisel, our first Brazilian elected to that office. He gave us a few conferences on the essentials of Oblate life. We convened as a chapter and dealt with a few proposals. We re-elected Father Dave Whalen as the Provincial for another four year term. Father Jack Loughran declined after 20 years of service to be a nominee for Provincial Council. We re-elected Ron Olszewski and Ken McKenna, and newly elected Geoff Rose to the Council. We welcomed four new postulants to the community, received the first vows of three novices at the conclusion of their novitiate, and witnessed the priestly ordination of Alan Zobler. An incredible week of celebrations! I felt fine and dressed up well enough that I even looked good. The doctors say I'm doing very well. I spent 30 minutes on the eliptical cross-trainer this morning keeping my heart rate at a moderate 110 (my new normal exercise rate while being medicated to keep the heart beat down). And yesterday spent time on the BowFlex as well (resistance training). At the office, we are preparing for the Conference. It should be a bit more "intimate" this year to our surprise. We have about 145 registered -- we were hoping for 200 on the 25th Anniversary. But alas, we built it, and not nearly as many are coming. The Oblates themselves set up an overlapping conflict with an Oblate leadership conference ending on that Thursday in Allentown. We know that has knocked out several Oblates from attendance mid-country in Minneapolis Thursday night. But there are seventeen other Oblates of the two Provinces (approximately 300 total Oblates) who ARE coming. Along with Visitandines, Daughters and lots of others. Keep us in prayer. John
7/3/2007 11:53:52 AM

"Select Salesian Subjects" has arrived, and we are delighted with its look. Eight hundred and fifty-nine passages from 50 different sources! With a considerable subject index. Mickey McGrath graphic on the front. Made possible in part by a generous donation in memory of Catherine Loraine Lindsay (1916-2006) -- the recently deceased mother of Oblates John and Stewart Lindsay. Compiled by the incredible Sr. Mary Grace Flynn, VHM of the Wheeling, West Virginia Visitation Monastery. Printed on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, 'plastic comb' binding, 216 pages, easy-to-read print, fully referenced with a complete source bibliography at the end. Not for purchase. Any donation will be enough for us to send one out to anyone requesting. Let us know if you want one. Exciting to have this work accompolished. Thanks to all involved in getting to our hands. Personally: I went to see a counselor and babbled on for an hour orienting him to who I am, what has happened in my life, and how we might talk about what is going on at the moment. I enjoyed the hour and him. I was a bit enthusiastic and hurried, somewhat belying the apathy which is the presenting reality. I look forward to more time. His office has two nice chairs and even a couch. I chose the chair this time, but someday may choose the couch. We'll see. Thanks for the prayers, and I hope you'll keep them coming. Peace, John
6/22/2007 1:21:03 PM

My primary care physician, whom I realloy like a lot, asked me at the last appointment whether I wanted him to prescribe something to help me cope with the levels of depression that are normal in following major "heart" events and surgeries. He said that some physicians even begin almost automatically prescribing such, immediately following the event or surgery. Depression is that predictable after such events. I declined the prescription at the moment, but haven't yet closed the door on that possibility. I am reluctant to take yet another medication unless we really decide it is important. I told him I'll try talking it through first. And so he gave me a reference, and I have an appointment. Today! Physically, I caught myself going up the stairs two at a time the other day before I even realized it. Wow, I thought, it's been a while since I've done that. But spirit wise I feel a little like an adolescent riding a roller-coaster of feelings. So I'll talk. I'm fairly good at talking. Maybe I'll take a another pill -- later, though. The excitement in the office today is that the work called "Select Salesian Subjects" described in the previous blog entry is beiong delivered today! We have worked hard and long on this project, and it is now available to us. The first 120 copies will be delivered this afternoon and I will be carrying some to the Oblate Assembly (Toledo-Detroit Province) this next week. Pray for us all this week as we elect our Provincial, do much other business and formation and spiritual stuff. Pray for the three novices making their first vows as Oblates on next Friday night (29th) and for Alan Zobler who will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday the 30th. Exciting times indeed. Have you sent in your registration for the Conference yet? Peace, John
6/21/2007 10:57:01 AM

I have graduated from my cardiac rehab program at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital here in Lewiston. There were 24 very supervised sesssions under the guidance of a wonderful cardiac team. It took me a little longer than the straight three times a week since I was traveling and missed some of the sessions, and could only continue the series of 24 when I returned. All my numbers look great: pulse rates, blood pressures, metabolism, cholesterol, weight (medium risk category), strength and endurance. They kept using words like excellent, wow, amazing, astounding, incredible, stupendous, astonishing, stupefying, startling, breathtaking, stunning, startling, flabbergasting, makes ones eyes pop, takes ones breath away, dunbfounding. Well ... to tell the truth, not ALL those words, but at least three of them! (Semitic hyperbole in the tradition of our master.) I am energetic and capable at this point. Still can't lift a great deal of weight though I was using two nine pound dumbbells on my last day. Need to get my non-physical parts caught up with my physical recovery. Working on that one! At the office, a lot of work is going into preparations for the Conference. Also this week, the printer is actually working on the momentous collation organized by Sr. Mary Grace Flynn, VHM. It is entitled "Select Salesian Subjects: Over 800 passages by or about Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal Selected from Fifty Sources." It will be about 125 pages of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, plastic comb-bound and available for a donation simply to cover the printing costs. It won't be officially listed in our catalogue, since it is not really a published volume, so much as it is a home-made resource book for preachers and teachers. We will have copies available at the time of the Conference. I hope you are coming, August 2-5 -- EVER FAITHFUL, EVER NEW. Blessings, John
6/18/2007 5:48:02 PM

Travelling is a pugatorial experience these days, though clearly easier than the covered wagoon trips of yore. June 9-10 I had a tremendous difficulty getting to a parish in Louisiana to preach for the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), and in fact missed the Saturday masses. And the airline lost my luggage for about 24 hours as well. The young associate pastor was quite generous in sharing some clothes and a clerical shirt as well. Then on Monday morning I flew to Kansas City to be a few days at a conference with preachers for CFCA. If such travels are purgatory while still here, then I guess I have a lot more purgation to go through before I am ready for the beatific vision. Pray for mercy on my soul (and my body too). Today we Oblates in Niagara Falls continued the celebration of brother Fred's 88th birthday by taking him out to eat for lunch where I had my prescrption glass of red wine. And we discussed whether the four of us could live together in some diocesan rectory after various churches close and combine and have some spaces that need using. I am feeling well and energetic and had a fist visit today with my spiritual director since the heart surgery. I do have an appointment as well with a counselor to ventilate the vapors that have accrued as a direct result of such a heart event as this Valentine's Day massacre (remember that the surgery was Feb 14, 2007). I apreciate your continued prayers. Love, John
6/14/2007 4:37:57 PM

At my house this morning when I got up, the thermometer outside read 48 degrees, and inside the house had dropped to 65, a little colder that we would have it in the middle of winter. But the day has been sunny and promises to get to 80. I feel great today and have had energy all day in the office though I am running out just about now. But that feels perfectly normal. Yesterday I saw my primary physician, and he is finding my recovery "outstanding." I have not yet dealt with all the non-physical dimensions of the healing process as yet -- spiritual, emotional etc., but the doctor and I worked out a plan. Today is a good day. "Smallville" should be on tonight though it will probably be a repeat at this point. Maybe I won't have seen it before though. It is the only hour I really try to watch TV. Of course there are the DVD's of George Reeves in the 1950's as Superman, and Christopher Reeves in the Superman movies, and "The Return of Superman" from 2006, and the first five seasons of "Smallville." These are if at any point I am bored during my recovery process. But I have enough energy to work -- though not always the motivation -- that I have less time to get bored. I am preparing my talk for the Conference among other things. Keep me in your prayers. Love, JohnnyG
6/7/2007 4:24:45 PM

Yesterday, the humidity was such, the barimetric pressures was such, the temperature was such, my blood pressure was such (soooo low) that I didn't feel like caring about much of anything. I might think that it was a by-product of my recovery, but as I talked to other people dureing the day, I found them saying several of the same things! Sometimes I can't even have my own uniquely "special" feelings. Darn! Today is a nice April day with the temperatures dropping into the fifties, with a promise of more rain which we need badly, and the pleasure of wearing a sweater quite enjoyably. I have better energy than yesterday so far, and feel fresh and clean without sweat (no sweat today, you see). At DR&M; registrations are just pooring in for the Conference. No, that wasn't a mistake. I didn't mean "pouring in." I meant "pooring in" as in poorly, or slowly. Each year we plan the Conference, commit contracts to the places we are staying, how we are eating, and to speakers who will come prepared. And then having built it, we hope you will come! If not we'll have to sell our socks! So it is always a nervous time where we are challenged to hope in the Lord, and pray that his will be that the Conference be an alive and vibrant ministry to the National Salesian community. We still have another month for registrations to come in. So far over the years they always have, so we have every reason to believe they will again this year. Count on it! Peace, John
6/5/2007 11:44:53 AM

Hard to believe that it is June already. Today is warm, cloudy and muggy. I went to cardiac rehab, got there, didn't feel like I wanted to do it today, and so I left. I am trying to do something productive at the office though I am in doubt as to whether that will happen. It is Friday afternoon, you know. I feel just the slightest bit spacey and I think it is simply the temperature and humidity. So I may go home and sit in front of a fan drinking ice tea -- straight, of course. Joanne Kinney (administrator here) and I did spend a few hours sifting through the legal paperwork to apply for our own little tax exempt status (apart from the tax exempt status for the Oblates) for our new little encorporation: DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc. As we complete this process, we will be in a better position to raise funds, seek grants, and apply to foundations for support. When we work on the legalese of the paperwork for much time though, we both go cross-eyed and I start feeling spacey. Mmm... I wonder. Give me chocolate to revive me! Dark chocolate it must be. It is better for me, particularly a cancer survivor, though probably contra-indicated since I have become a cardiac patient. Oh, what to do, what to do? ... Seize the moral high ground! Just make sure the chocolate is dark! Have a great June weekend. Love, John, a.k.a. JohnnyG
6/1/2007 2:46:22 PM

Today is May 30 and I am back in western New York. The weather is quite beautiful, in the 50's overnight and will be in the 80's sometime this afternoon. After driving home yesterday (the return trip of my longest drive since the surgery), I was quite exhausted and stayed in bed for almost eleven hours. I surprised even myself. This next weekend I was open to doing a preaching assignment for the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, but they found no assignment for me, so I am off. I will go back to cardiac rehab both today and Friday of this week and see how badly my week away impacted my recovery. I still get some muscular-skeletal type of pains in my chest wall that I mostly feel when getting out of bed. Maybe that means I should simply stay in bed. Is that an option? At DeSales Resources and Ministries we (Joanne Kinney, Darlene Dixon and I) are scrambling with numeroous projects: scheduling and administering numerous parish missions and preachers for 2007 thru 2009; still working on getting the Ryan translation of the Treatise in process; working with the printer on final details for printing Sr. Mary Grace Flynn, VHM's incredible bit of research in Salesian resources on numerous spiritual and theological topics; preparing a Salesian retreat I'll be giving in Orange, California this summer; doing and responding to everything else that comes up and keeps us running; and planning all the details of the 25th Salesian Conference coming up in August. Hope you'll seriously consider coming (and then decide that you will). Thanks for your love and prayers, John
5/30/2007 11:54:47 AM

I have felt energetic for good portions of my days lately, though periodically I run untypically out of steam and simply need to relax and watch some other installment of Superman in one reincarnation or another. Sometimes a nap is good as well. My nephew would call it my age, not my surgery, but he has just barely learned to wipe his nose. What does he know? I went into one of Toledo's Catholic religious goods stores to get a copy of Benedict XVI's new book JESUS OF NAZARETH ((which they didn't have yet) and ended up being waited on by a recent St. Francis de Sales High School graduate (like myself though Oh! so much younger). I asked whether Fr. Marty Lukas (our vocation director) had asked him to be an Oblate Associate considering life as an Oblate. Indeed he IS and Associate and will be at Camp this summmer in the Irish Hills. Nice work, Fr. Marty. Yesterday I tried some more work on the IRS forms to get us independent 501(c)3 non-profit tax-exempt status now that DeSales Resources and Ministries, Incorporated is official in New York State as an entity distinct from the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Toledo-Detroit Province. I say 'I tried' -- but it was too hot and humid and my brain simply wouldn't do it, so I didn't. I hope to resume the work a little today. Pray for me and the IRS. Registrations for the National Salesian Conference are beginning to come in along with some dedications and sponsorships. Thanks! I certainly hope we have a good group this summer August 2-5 -- see the Conference page on this web site. Are you comin to be with us? Blessings!~ John
5/25/2007 9:26:13 AM

Hello from the Provincial office in Toledo on the campus of Gesu parish where I am staying at the rectory. I came west from Niagara last Friday to preach on the last weekend at St. Thomas More at the Bowling Green State University parish. It was small since most of the student body was already finished with the semester. I chose to stay in Toledo (30 miles north) for the week since I have a family wedding and baptism to attend this coming Saturday, and I didn't think that going bback and forth TWICE was a good idea for either my energy OR for my "gasoline endowment." I am feeling well, and enjoying a visit with Dave Whalen and Jim Cryan here at Gesu Parish, as welll as getting the opportunity to see my brother and numerous friends -- all for the first time since the surgery. I have lost enough weight to wear smaller trousers and am delighted with my thinner feel. Another ten or fifteen pounds off would be just about perfect -- getting me to 180 pounds and a 36" waist. Then I would have to struggle probably with more vanity feelings than I've had for a while. My doctors and I are considering that a happy problem to deal with. During the day I am working on the IRS papers we have to submit as part of the incorporation process for DeSales Resources and Ministries as its own function corporation and ministry. I can now speak govermental legalese -- I think it is a language. I am loving your prayers and support, and counting on them not simply physically, but all the more importantly -- spirituallly and psychologically. There is a part of any health "crisis" that has a strong inner component that is probably even more significant than the physical dimension. And I have to deal with all of that as well, and that is where I especially apppreciate your prayers and affection. Thanks. John. aka JohnnyG
5/23/2007 10:08:28 AM

Last night I slept with a little lighted clamp on my next to index right finger that measured both my pulse rate and oxygen content throughout the night. I suspect all will be normal now that I am sleeping without wheezing, and able to slept flat without shortage of breath. Since I have back on a diaretic (to eliminate excess water) the water has disappeared from my lungs and I am comfortable taking a deep breath without discomfort or pain. My stamina is certainly pretty good though my upper body strength is still lacking the ability to do very heavy things, though it is certainly improved. I continue with the cardiac rehab sessions when I am in town. Next week I'll be in Toledo all week until after Memorial Day, so we'll see if I can get the chance to update this blog. At DeSales Resources and Ministries we have gotten our incorporation status in one sense, but still need IRS recognition before the process is complete, so we have a huge sheath of paperwork to work through, sign and fill in appropriately. Conference afternoon scheduling of: five speakers; an outing to the Minneapolis monastery; and 200 attendants and their choices -- is challenging my mathematical abilities, but we think I have it figured out, but need to flesh it all out yet. Thanks for your continued prayers. John
5/16/2007 11:57:28 AM

Yesterday the doc got me on the phone and said that all the blood work was fine with balance and no signs of infection. The X-ray however did show that there is some fluid in the lungs, and so I should moderate my fluids and go back on the diaretic for a while. Lately I have been sleeping fine without wheezing and lying realtively flat on my side. My energy level seems to be pretty good. Brother Fred and I went to see SpiderMan 3 last night and we both enjoyed it. There was just a lot of high tech and fun stuff in the plot development. Suspend all sense of reality. Watch a comic book fantasy. I went to a funeral today of the mother of a Buffalo diocesan priest (Chet Krysa). Chet was a biology student of mine back in 1970 while I was teaching at Bishop Duffy High School. Then had lunch with Stew Lindsay and came in to the office for the afternoon. We are working on the Conference of course, but also on the possibility of publishing the John K. Ryan translation of the Treatise on the Love of God. We are having a hard time tracking down the legalities of copyright ownership, but are pursuing the case. In addition we are working on Sr. Mary Grace Flynn, VHM 's extensive Salesian pericopes and reference work and are in hopes of having that available for the very first time at the 25th Annual Conference in Mendota, MN -- see the web page entry for details on the Conference. Peace, John
5/10/2007 5:59:54 PM

Today is Tuesday and is a great day too. I started with an early morning envigorating x-Ray and blood draw to check on how everything is. My energy level was really good today in contrast to yesterday which I spent at the doctors and then mostly at home in bed. Last night I slept in bed fairly flat and without wheezing or shortage of breath. I had a lot of motivation to clean off my desk and take care of a number of little things. Some registrations for the Salesian Conference 2007 have begun to come in, and so have some sponsorships [thank God and thank them]. Maybe we won't have to withdraw from savings to make a payroll this summer! Sometimes we are living and working like the poor from week to week not knowing whether we will be able to pay all the bills, or should creatively delay some for a while. It keeps us real and sometimes even humble. You pray for me and I'll pray for you. Love, John
5/8/2007 4:05:25 PM

Last night it was necessary for me to sleep with my upper body elevated since I was wheezing a bit and my rib cage is sore a little making breathing deeply less likely. So I did and slept fairly fine. Mom is doing well today after an MRI and valium and a little drunkeness from it yesterday. We have been largely resting and visiting friends here in California. Tomorrow I will be flying home to Buffalo and then preaching over the weekend in Orchard Park, NY (hour from home) at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish on behalf of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. After that I'll be back home and in the office as much as I can do it along with going back to the 3 times weekly heart rehab. We have begun to a few registrations for the Conference in and some sponsors for it as well. See our web page here. The recovery continues up and down the rolling coaster hills! John
5/3/2007 5:44:51 PM

Tuesday, May 1. Today is the 31st anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. Dave Franco, Rich Yost and I were ordained by Auxilary Bishop of Toledo Albert Ottenweller (still alive and active in retirement in Toledo) at the Motherhouse chapel of the Sylvania Franciscans. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we gave first blessings on the front lawn. I looked at a few of the pictures and see clearly that I was 29 and had a lot more hair in 1976. Today was a fun day in California where I am still at Mom's house until Friday. Mass. Breakfast. And then a visit with some cousins. My recovery is staying on pace although today I experienced some rib frame soarness and a bit of dis-ease that I only explain by saying some days I'm up and some days I am down, and I don't know why, but can feel lousy for a few hours. And so I did. It is kind of like normal life alright with a few extra wrinkles thrown in. I call and talk to Joanne Kinney and Darlene Dixon everyday they are in the office and I am not. Right now Joanne is sleuthing the copyright information on the John K. Ryan translation of the Treatise on the Love of God by Francis de Sales. We hope to publish a new edition of it in time for the Salesian Conference (see this web page) August 2-5. It has been out of print for a number of years and it looks like if we can track down all the legalities we may be able to get premission to republish it ourselves and make it available to a new audience. There are other works we are looking to publish as well including work by Sr. Mary Grace Flynn, VHM and Ravier's biography of Jane de Chantal. SO a lot is happening right now as always. What we need to be able to continue to do this is set up good financial support for the ministry so that it might be able to continue for a forseeable future. We hope you can be a part of helping us continue the ministry of studying and disseminating the Salesian charism. Blessings, John
5/2/2007 1:24:46 AM

Why hello there from Southern California. Mom says hi! The trip here was uneventful although long. I did utilize the services of wheelchairs throughout the airports, and although you have to wait sometimes for 20-30 minutes to even get the service, it can still be worth it if trapsing through a big airport in a hurry might be a bit more strenuous than your health would allow for. I go through a number of one dollar bills in handing out tips as people help me. But is worth it. It also gives me just a small taste of what it would be like to be more permanently handicapped than I am right now. The biggest deal is that I have to make sure I am not lifting/pushing anything too heavy and that means probably not more than 10-20 pounds right now. I will have to very consciously work on some cardiac rehab while I am here -- stretching walking, and doing some resistance training. I won't get stronger by vegging, in spite of what Mom's first tendencies for me are. Hopefully I'll be able to do a few pieces of work from here as well. I'll keep you informed. In the meantime we are seriously trying to market the Salesian Conference (see the link here) and get the word out to as many as possible. Please consider coming yourself, and if not, being a sponsor! More later.
4/26/2007 4:16:43 PM

Today is quite beautiful here on the Niagara River at DeSales Resources and Ministries. But I am leaving for southern California (where we know that it is a lie that it never rains) and some time with Mom. Originally the timing was determined by the fact that I was to be preaching all the masses at a Church out there in California. But, alas, dear providence has seen differently. At the very last minute the parish has canceled because there left hand did not know what there right hand was doing and had set up a rather obvious conflict. Therefore, I have the plane ticket and the plan to see Mom and I don't even have to preach their six masses on the weekend. God's does provide! One of my students back from 1980 at St. Francis High School in Toledo, Kevin Granata, was a professor at Virginia Tech and was killed in the tragic event of the past days. He has three children. Oblate Father Ron Olszewski will be celebrating a memorial mass at Christ the King this Saturday in Toledo. They already did something in memorial at the high school. The flier for the 25th anniversary National Salesian Conference is IN THE MAIL. I hope you'll consider coming. The information is also on this web page and further details will be forthcoming. I am well and getting stronger, but it sure is slow. The doctors though are happy and when I leave their offices when they are happy, then I am happy and dancing too. I still can't lift a lot and will use a wheelchair in the airports tomorrow to keep from getting worn out by the rigors of today's jet setting. Blessings and peace! John
4/24/2007 4:19:13 PM

I'll give you an update either later today or tomorrow. Sorry for the lapse! Peace, John
4/23/2007 1:04:45 PM

I can't find Dorothy or Toto but I have found the tin man, the scarecrow and the lion hearted. Oz is elusive even here in Kansas at the Cathedral. Getting here on Friday was exhausting. Flying itself was just fine. It was everything before and after the actual flights that wore me out. So I recovered most of Saturday. Then Sunday did me in a bit with two morning masses and an afternoon mass before the Mission session. The ten minutes before the opening I discover they have no musician to be there for the services nor any lector either. Under most circmstances, no big deal, just do it myself. But right now everything DOES seem like just another big deal. But Sunday night went well and I took all day Monday to recover and Monday night's session was shorter than normal -- only about an hour in length instead of the normal hour and a half. Fortunately I have only evening sessions to be there for, so I am good to go. But I'll be glad to get back home too. The weather here today is in the 70's and offers a welcome relief from the cold. Wish you were here! The Conference brochure should be in the mail this very week, so look for it anytime in the next three weeks depending where you are. Blessings and thanks for love, prayer and affection.
4/17/2007 12:07:49 PM

Hello. I am driving and have a newfound freedom. I am feeling pretty good. And I have a good deal of energy. I got up, did exercise, packed for the mission I am leaving for tomorrow in Kansas City. I've got Brother Francis taking me to the airport tomorrow to help me handle the luggage since I can't and I'll get a wheel chair, primarily to have a porter to help me handle the carry on bag with all my electronics to sing with at the mission. Of my incisions, the one in the leg is the one that speaks to me the most often. So far I have completed eleven cardiac rehab sessions and I will pick up on them when I get back from the mission. I'll try to make an entry on this blog while I'm at the Cathedral in Kansas City, KS. Keep me in prayer! Kansas City, Kansas City here I come! I'll ask your prayers for some hurting people right now at the place where our Salesian Conference brochure has been printed. Although boxes of our already printed brochure were spared, their shop was trashed Wednesday night with computers (and all the files and softwear that went with them) ripped out. Faxes, phones, computers all gone. It is a mom and pop shop and they are sobbing with pain over the mess and loss. It should, however, delay us and our brochure mailing only a few days since the boxes were mercifully spared in the theft and vandalism. It will also delay the appearance of the brochure on our web page for only a few days. But keep those hurting folks in prayer. And consider coming to the Conference August 2-5 in St, Paul, Minnesota. I hope to be reporting next from KC, KS. 'Til then ...
4/12/2007 4:06:30 PM

Tomorrow, April 11, will be eight weeks since the Valentine's Day massacre, er, bi-pass surgery through layers of radiation scar tissue. Today is the very first day I have driven a car since before the surgery! I saw the doctor on Friday and he says that I am ahead of the recovery curve. I am still doing heart rehabilitation at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, and after I finish there in a few weeks, I will be continuing at home on my elliptical cross trainer, bowflex and other little paraphenalia as well. Although I am now allowed to drive, and although the doctor is encouraging about my trying to preach a parish mission in Kansas City starting this weekend, I still am not to be lifting much more than 10 pounds. Which means that Brother Francis Murray will be getting me to the airport and handling the luggage, and I will get a wheelchair to the gate and a porter to help me with the carry on bag. I'll be at the Cathedral in Kansas City, and they've promised me they would surround me with strongmen who won't let me handle anything heavier than my preaching and singing. I am feeling stronger and up to it. The recovery process, I am told is a full six months, yet people get back to work as soon as they are able. There will continue to be little muscular-skeletal pains since they pulled me apart a bit to get my heart out, but by and large I can be back to normal with some limitatins and cautions. I sure do appreciate your prayers and support and hope you'll keep it up since I can't remember a time in my life when I've needed it more in every way. Blessings.
4/10/2007 11:41:18 AM

Holy Thursday. In one sense an anniversary. The establishment of the Eucharist and the rudimentary beginnings of what we know know as priesthood. It is a different kind of Holy Week for me. The last number of years I have been at the Center for Spiritual Development in Orange California for the Holy Week Retreat and Triduum as the presider for the liturgies. This year I am home recovering still. Taking more pills than ever. Nexium. Plavix. Claritin. Baby Aspirin. Doxazocin. Mobic. Lipitor. Zetia. Metoprolol. Sounds like names of Clark Kent's (Kalel's) Krypton Cousins. And then there are the supplements that sound so green and organic as to get me glowing like Kryptonite. (If you're lost now, it just means you don't much about the Superman Myth. Sorry. Nothing wrong with you. Perhaps.) I broke a sweat yesterday at Cardiac Rehabilitation, but because of the medications I'm on my heart rate stays at a cool range of 85-90, even after 8 minutes on a tread mill at 3 miles and hour and a 5% incline. Whaqt do I have to do to get worked up? My resting blood pressure is frequently somwething like 96/60 and the are quite happy with this. In the middle of the workout it moves up only slightly to about 110/65. So I am a cool cucumber these days. The Salesian Conference brochure is being printed and should go out in the mail a week from tomorrow. It should be up on this web page even sooner than that. Fo Easter, since I am in the area this year, Bother Fred and I will be joining Joanne Kinney (Administrator at DeSales Resources and Ministries) and her family for Easter dinner celebrations. Since I won't write again until after Easter, let me wish you blessings for the Holy Days that are already upon us. Thank you all so much for so many cards and notes and calls of great affection and prayers. It all helps in warding off the depression that is so common following such heart events. You are part of the support network if you're reading this. Thanks! Love.
4/5/2007 2:24:40 PM

On Monday (4/2/07) I passed a stress test with flying colors as a normal part of my cardiac rehabilitation. I think it was a fake, or at least a wimpy stress test. I got wired and walked on a treadmill for only a few minutes. What kind of stress test os that amidst life's many challenges? Having a child and raising "it" -- now that is stress. Or trying to be a priest in today's Church and World. That's stress! But walking on a treadmill? Piece of cake. Of course, I failed that very test in January, and that's what's got me to this post surgical recovery spot. But, hey. I created more stress for Sara today when she came at my bare chest with a razor, and I told her "You WILL not dry shave any part of me, leaving me with razor burns for a week." I apologized for being a bit intimidating perhaps (no doubt), but she didn't dry shave any part of me either, and that was my intention. She passed the stress test too. When I've come in to the office, Im good for a few hours. And then Joanne says my color drains out -- presumably down to the story below us -- leaving me suddenly bleached like a ghostly apparition. It is just past time to go home. Bye. Everybody needs such a clear sign as to when to quit.
4/3/2007 1:26:47 PM

Yesterday was a full six weeks since the triple by-pass surgery on February 14. I am feeling well, good and strong for a couple of hours everyday now, but that's about it. And of course I am still not driving, but can now "Atlas" up to between five and ten pounds. I am trying to sleep all through the night without the help of pills, but so far not succeeding and instead, watching DVD's in the dark until I can figure out how to fall back asleep. Thank God that while I am home and in recovery, I can simply stay in bed longer into the day, a luxury that normal life would not allow me. Monday, Wednesday and Friday my few "good" hours go to cardiac therapy. On Tuesday and Thursday I have been able to spend a few hours a day at DeSales Resources and Ministries. This afternoon the first "proofs" of the Salesian Conference brochure are coming to the office for review. That and a few other necessary quick pieces will take my attention before heading for home and more napping and/or DVD watching. If only I were a drinker, I could (should) be sipping a glass or two of heart healthy red wine every afternoon. Hmmm.
3/29/2007 12:05:54 PM

Lent certainly looks diferent to me this year. I'm at home and going to cardiac rehabilitation. Some parish missions have canceled, but in several cases Tom Helfrich, Roland Calvert and Joanne Kinney have most graciously been able to fill the pulpit in my stead along with working out things differently with a partners Tom Landgraff, Gerry Downs, Jeanne Hunt, Mary Malloy and Loretta Fahey. Thanks to all of you for the scramble and all the efforts you've made to honor our Salesian Parish Mission commitments. All while I am resting! Trying to gain strength. Driving Brother Fred a little crazy since I'm home so much. And watching DVD pieces from my Superman hobby collection. I still can't use much chest strength with this split and mending breast bone now only six weeks back together. My legs are doing great with only minimal swelling. All incisions are looking good, still tender and a bit scratchy. Rehab wears me out. It is more strenuous each time I go, of course. That's the plan, man. The Salesian Conference brochure is at the print shop being designed as I write. We'll get more up on the web page as soon as we can after Joanne gets back from preaching the Mission this week. Many blessings and thanks for your prayers!
3/27/2007 12:41:36 PM

Today is Thursday. Stew Lindsay took me to lunch -- he is such a fine man! And then I stopped in the DeSales Resources and Ministries office at Stella to introduce myself to the staff there, and to look at my mail and to work on the Salesian Conference brochure and planning. Joanne says I am looking pale now, so it is time to go home. Cardiac rehab is going well on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Some days I am perky and some days punk. Believe me, I never have trouble just going back to bed. The incisions all look great, and alomost all pains are more discomforts than pains. I continue to be very gratefull for your concern and prayers. Spread the word about our National Conference in August! Check out the details on this web page. Much peace.
3/22/2007 2:49:57 PM

I am at home now after almost four weeks at the Stella Health Center. What a blessing it was to be there! At nearby Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, I have completed two sessions of Cardiac Rehabilitation where they make me exercise with wires attached, and with "guards" watching my every rhythm and beat, mercilessly prompting me from one station to another until I confess. So I TOLD them my confession but told them also that Jesus Christ was my defending attorney and my Father was the judge, so my misery was the occasion of God's great mercy. They should try it. The folks at rehab are wonderful and the VAN GO that comes to get me and bring me back (since I can't yet drive) is a real blessing. I am going into the office today for a little while--the first time since Feb. 12. We'll see how that goes. I am sleeping well at home and am delighted to be in my own nest. There is a racoon that keeps coming down our fireplace chimney, and he too would like to share our nest, but if he does, he'll just have to stay with Bro. Fred. On the other hand, he can't stay at all unless he/she contibutes to the Oblate house account. Tough love. John
3/20/2007 1:02:56 PM

Today, Thursday, I had the intake interview with Cardiac Rehab Center at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital here in Lewiston. The interview should appear in "Amazing Survivals" next month. I will actually start the rehab work tomorrow and this will go on 3 times a week for several weeks. They have a transport service entitled VAN GO that simply costs $1 for a one way trip. Send $1 bills to scholarship me on exotic trips in VAN GO. The stifness of my back is almost limbered and I look forward soon to less Frankenstein movements. Your continued prayers and affection sometimes brings me to tears. I wish I had as many woman loving me decades ago, but Joanne Kinney has pointed out that these women now are mostly elderly nuns and I probably wasn't nearly as loveable as a teenager who hadn't had heart surgery. Oh well, sometimes life plays backwards! Sigh! John
3/15/2007 4:34:37 PM

This morning I had an appointment with my primary physician who initiated the tests in mid-January that led eventually to the heart surgery in mid-February. I had reported sufficient symptoms to call for investigation. I hate it when I fail a test, I know I'm just not living up to my potential! Dr. Phil Sauvageau is the young Doctor who saw me today and told me that he has been thinking and praying for me.We talked over the future and he says I'll get beyond all of this and find my new plateau of activity over the next year. It is always a boost just even to see him or his nurse practitioner wife, Sandi. I'm blessed with wonderful medical personnel. If the medical professionals aren't so wonderful, I don't see them more than once if possible. One time, their bad; two times mine. Life's too short. I suspect that's the same singular opportunity some give to priests as well. May I meet the challenge. John
3/14/2007 2:40:04 PM

I'm doing well, but with a stiff lower back these last few days. I'm working on that. Joanne Kinney at the office has been working hard to organize the 25th Annual Salesian Conference brochure and I'm a small part of that work as well. The event, entitled: "Ever Faithful, Ever New" will be August 2-5 in St. Paul MN. See the web page here under Annual Conference for further details. Please consider coming! Lots of generous people donated to our initial development campaign, and we are really grateful for that. Soon we should be making a second appeal, possibly in relation to our Conference this anniversary year. Without the collaboration of others we're simply not able to carry on the ministry ourselves. So thanks! I think we do good work together! John
3/13/2007 9:25:29 AM

I slept a great deal over the weekend and my blood pressure keeps running quite low. But my spirit is pretty high. The Oblates in this region had a Sunday meeting at my house and I actually went there for prayer, a meeting, social and dinner. I will probably be moving home permanently sometime within the next week. The stay here at Stella has been simply an incredible blessing. This weekend I watched and reviewed a brand new DVD on Saint John Bosco, one of our great Salesian Saints and the film will soon be in our catalogue. I myself loved it. There is a certain pride--and not a comparison or competition--in belonging to the same family of spirituality begun by Francis and Jane as so many others. John
3/12/2007 9:24:26 AM

I'm pretty stiff this morning, but I'm going out with a friend to lunch. It should be a delicious break-out and venture back into the world. I'm getting some great support from all of you in prayers, calls and cards. I received quite a delightful one today with an old picture with four of us neighborhood friends munching on hot dogs. It looked to be about 1956-58 perhaps. Patty (sent the card), Bob (her brother) my sister Jeanne and I were all just kids. It is a hoot! My Chicago sisters and niece sent me a care package of healthy nuts and berries and a few rubbery hearts for fun and "gross" anatomy. Thanks to all you out there pulling for me. I greatly treasure your affection and am soaking it up as healing. John
3/9/2007 1:26:08 PM

The cardiologist swooned rhapsodic over the "beauty" of the chest incision. I was happy for him, but feeling less beautiful myself than scored upon. He was relating the good news about how well it was healing. A surprise sneeze this morning, however, reminded me though just how tender it is. Today my foot is at least better and walking is less painful. Some heart rehab includes walking periods, and they'll want me at St. Mary's Hospital for "official" walking, next to a beautiful cardiac nurse, after she attaches cold metal pinchers to parts of me. Oh well, the cost of recovery! I can't drive until mid-April so I'm dependant on the kindness of friends. Thank you so much for your calls, cards, prayers--it helps to make each day! John
3/8/2007 2:45:33 PM

I go today to see a cardiologist (not the surgeon) to review the events of the last month and make plans for the months to come with regard to heart medications, therapy and ministry. I will soon be checking in with my primary care physician to whom I look to put all things in context and perspective. I am still doing mostly a whole bunch of nothing: a walk, a breathing exercise, a shower, a nap, a little light reading, writing this blog, elevating legs, watching some Superman DVDs, eating and all of this over and over again according to how I feel at the moment, and how stiff the ankle is. Incisions have healed very well. My body has become somewhat of an uneven grid drawn by a drunk with numerous markings not so measured or predictable. My stamina is increasing; we've even gotten my blood pressure barely up to human range--just above the common slug. I'm still counting you in my support group and that's important to me. Many blessings and thanks.John
3/7/2007 1:27:29 PM

I am able to skip pain pills more often these days. I can walk more and even did a flight of stairs. The right leg is not quite but almost back to size and shape. My blood pressure is rarely over 100 on top. I'm reading, watching Superman DVDs, sleeping and trying to maintain good spirits. People have said that depression is an issue with this surgery, so I'm taking counter measures, including making lots of phone calls to personally reinforce my support network. So keep me in prayers. I am done seeing the surgeon, but will be following up with a cardiologist and my primary care doctor. I do have an appointment for tomorrow. John
3/6/2007 11:19:33 AM

I would like to say that recovery is a steady uphill graph, but it seems to be indeed more like real mountainous peaks with valleys to descend before you can climb the next peak. I certainly am greatly improved in my surviving this rahter complicated set of surgeries. On Sunday, I went to mass in the main chapel at Stella and then to lunch in the Sisters' dining room. The outing so tired me out that I slept all afternoon. My re-entry into normal life will obviously be slow and very incremental. Thank you for your support. John
3/5/2007 1:29:42 PM

Only my ankles are still swollen and a little tough to walk on. I've lost lots of the almost 20lbs of water I put on in surgery. Recovery is on pace and I'm needing fewer pain pills. Just the slightest fever is recurrent. I can tell I'm getting better though when I have more thoughts about our work at DeSales Resources and Ministries. We're currently wrapping up the planning for our 25th Anniversary National Salesian Conference: "Ever Faithful, Ever New," August 2-5, 2007 in St. Paul, MN. We are looking for Sponsors for the Conference, perhaps in honor or in memory of someone. Got some honorees in mind? See "Annual Salesian Conference" on this page for more details about the conference. John
3/3/2007 10:32:03 AM

Forty years ago today I was operated on for my very first cancer--a tumor in the right parotid (salivary) gland. I was a newly professed Oblate--just over six months since I made first vows at St. Anthony's in Wilmington, Delaware after my postulancy and novitiate at Childs, MD. I was at the time, living at DeChantal Hall in Lewiston, NY. and in the class of the first Oblates professed for the new Toledo-Detroit Province, studying at Niagara University. Clearly my novitiate prayer and studies of St. Francis de Sales helped me to survive the whole ordeal. And Francis continues to serve me well even now as I am recovering (yet again; sigh)from another life threatening situation. The number of people and prayers that have supported me over so many years approaches the astronomical. I am certainly a poster boy for the miraculous power of prayer, affection, and the care of the community of Jesus's disciples. I am only two weeks into this recovery from by-pass surgery and I understand it to be a very gradual affair. I am still taking some pain pills so I have an idea of how far I have to go. Thanks again for all your prayers and affection. They move me, hold me up, and perhaps is why I am still alive. John
3/2/2007 10:43:48 AM

Yesterday was clearly the best day since the by-pass surgery! The pain was manageable, the leg is taking shape and I was able to walk on it easier than in the last couple of days. The cellulitis seems to be healing at the behest of the most recent antibiotic. The Sisters here have been quite incredibly generous, and the nursing and care staff in their Stella Niagara Health Center are quite impressive, not simply in their care of me, but in the varied and gentle care that each Sister receives, whatever her condition. They all know me of course, since the office for DeSales Resources and Ministries is the only rental on this mother house campus--in the northern most building. In the course of the next week, we'll be evaluating how much longer I might stay here before going home. I sure do appreciate your continued prayers and affection. I thank God for you. Keep praying for me please through the ups and downs that are recovery.
3/1/2007 10:52:36 AM

Today marks two weeks since the original triple by-pass surgeries. Three more weeks before I can drive again. The visit to the surgeon's office and meeting with a physician's assistant was encouraging: incision looks great; a few sutures removed; a little swelling to treat in the leg; all of the pains I have are normal and there will be new and different pains which are normal too. Pain in life, after all, is normative. I suspect something profound there! I guess I don't need any further Lenten practices besides recovery itself to make the point of my need for God's mercy. John
2/28/2007 2:46:52 PM

From John's chair...The water retention and swelling are continuing to decrease, and my legs are just beginning to take a shape I recognize. I see the cardiac surgeon today for the first time since I got out of the hospital on 2/19, and the apppointments with other doctors will follow as I look down the road at cardiac rahab. Thank God we have much of the basic work for the Salesian Conference, August 2-5, 2007, completed and are compiling the brochure to go out. In this 25th anniversary year, the conference title is "Ever Faithful, Ever New"...Salesian Spirituality, forever solid age-old wisdom and yet completely contemporary. Check our web page in a few days for more details. I'll bring you up to date regarding my recovery after my doctor's appointment today. John
2/27/2007 9:20:34 AM

John's thoughtful musings: "Is there a purpose for everything that happens? Does God always have something in mind? What is the meaning of it all? Do we search for it or find it in discerning God's purposes and meanings? I'm not much inclined to large percentages of this kind of thinking, though acknowledging it probably has some continued interplay in my thoughts. I am more often inclined to think that God profligately dealt out purpose and meaning "components" for us to create build, design with.It seems to me that God isn't a micromanager much at all but gives away, delegates, great blocks of creative freedom for the universe to manage--and God infuses every micron with presence and love. So what meaning and purpose to we create in this scenario? I've been a cancer patient before, but never a heart patient. I've been attentive to cholesterol and exercise for years. There aren't strong indications of heart history in my family. The major complicating agent may well be the radiation we used eight years ago to save my life from lung cancer. The radiation scar tissue may be the literally most pressing issue now and in the future. What can we make any of it mean? DeSales Resources and Ministries has transitioned from Joe Power, its founder, to me, and to whatever will be next beyond whenever that may be. Joe had virtually no transition time for the ministry since he never even got back to the office after the car accident that took his life. It seems I will have a little more time than that in transitioning this ministry into the future. We at DR&M; will redouble our efforts at self incorporation, and seeking grants, endowments and funding for what we do, so that a future director's role will not be primarily necessary income generation. We will be releasing new recordings and new books as soon as we can get them in production. There is nothing like the present moment.
2/26/2007 11:14:20 AM

Direct from John: �Life is expensive to maintain in the style to which we have become accustomed. Recovery is slow. And none of us gets out of here alive in the last analysis.� �I am just over a week past heart triple by-pass surgery (expensive) and doing pretty much as expected (recovery). Although released from the hospital to go home, I certainly needed more �people help� than the few Oblates in the area could provide, and so I am staying for a few weeks at the Stella Niagara Health Center through the incredible generosity of the Sisters here. �After surgery they have mistakenly attached someone else�s legs to me, because these aren�t my feet and legs beneath my belt! So, we are working on water loss and finding my own legs down there somewhere and the right color make-up to restore them to their original hues. �Thanks for all of your prayers and affection, especially thanks to Joanne and Darlene for even trying to cover my schedule for the next two months. �The Lord has sent out yet another fleet of angels to watch over me. Amazing! If you want to leave a prayer or a message on my voice mail at 419-408-2215, feel free. John
2/23/2007 11:15:47 AM

Good Morning. Just spent some time with John this morning. He is feeling a bit stronger today as he slept better than he has for awhile. Is enjoying the cards he is receiving and of course, appreciating your continued thoughts and prayers. JK
2/21/2007 9:52:42 AM

John sends his best to all who are watching this blog. He is enjoying the company of the Sisters during his meals, but also enjoying some restful hours during the other times of the day. I'll fill you in after seeing him in the morning. JK
2/20/2007 4:48:24 PM

Good Morning, John spent his first night at Stella's Health Center and he did well. He says that the nursing staff is taking very good care of him. And of course, he has the Sisters' prayers surrounding him. It will take some real time to gain back his strength and he knows your thoughts and prayers will help him do that. JK
2/20/2007 10:26:45 AM

John is doing very well and will come home to the Stella Health Center tomorrow, Monday. His pain level is very tolerable and he is feeling stronger. The Sisters in the Health Center are looking forward to their guest's arrival and to having a co-ed floor!! I'll let you know when he gets home. JK
2/18/2007 3:35:52 PM

Good News! John has been moved out of ICU into his regular room and is doing very well. He will most likely come to the Health Center at Stella Niagara by early next week where he will recover over the next few weeks. Any written communication can be sent to our office at 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, NY 14144. Thanks for your continued prayers. Joanne
2/16/2007 1:35:55 PM

John's recovery continues as planned. He was able to sit up in a chair for a couple of hours on Thursday and will be moved out of ICU today or tomorrow. God is good!
2/16/2007 9:49:10 AM

John is alert and doing well. I've just visited with him for 1 1/2 hours and he was awake and talkative. The surgeon came in while I was there. He explained that there was some "extra" work to do because of the scar tissue from past radiation, but that all went well and he was pleased with the results. Fr. Stu will go in to see John later this afternoon. John thanks you all for your continued prayers. Joanne
2/15/2007 2:31:59 PM

John is doing fine this morning. I'm on my way to the hospital and will report in when I return. Joanne
2/15/2007 9:35:42 AM

John's surgery went very well. No problems or surprises. Fr. Stu will see him before he comes home tonight. I wil write more after I see John tomorrow. Joanne
2/14/2007 10:07:24 PM

update: John's surgery began at 3:30 today. Will keep you posted. Joanne
2/14/2007 3:33:52 PM

John is finally in surgery. Went in a little after 1 p.m. Expected to be in surgery for 4-6 hours. I will update here first thing tomorrow morning. Fr. Stu Lindsay is at the hospital with him...and I'm just trying to keep the Resource Center shoveled out. Over a foot of snow in the last 12 hours. God certainly has a sense of humor. Keep your prayers coming. Joanne
2/14/2007 2:12:23 PM

Update: John's surgery is scheduled for early this afternoon - not 9am this morning. More updates to come!
2/14/2007 9:54:05 AM

Hi Everyone, John will be on his way to Milard Filmore Gates Circle Hospital in the next couple of hours from St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston where he spent the night. His triple by-pass surgery is scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday,February 14th. "The perfect day to celebrate his Heart!" He is in good spirits and looks forward to your continued prayers. I will do my best to keep you up-to-date. Joanne (or for those who know John well...Lois Lane reporting for Superman.)
2/13/2007 2:14:09 PM