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The Oblates trace their roots to "the dream" of St. Francis de Sales.
It was a dream born of a conviction-that all people, of every social stratum, of every position, of every job, talent, or condition were called to holiness.
St. Francis de Sales pursued this through his writings, preaching, and many teachings.
He wanted to found an order that would be dedicated to carrying on this work after his death, but he died without seeing this dream fulfilled. In 1873, the Father Louis Brisson founded the Oblates for the sole purpose of spreading the spirit and doctrine ("the dream") of St. Francis de Sales.
Fr. Brisson sent the first Oblate to White Plains, New York, in 1893. From that time on the Oblates gradually spread throughout North America, while at the same time, expanding throughout Europe, Africa, South America, and India.
In the United States, the Oblates have worked in every apostolate where a need has manifested. They have opened schools, staffed parishes, established retreat houses, and built summer camps. They have also witnessed their Christian faith by living and working in inner-city neighborhoods, serving as chaplains in hospitals, prisons, on college campuses, and as military chaplains.
The Oblates first came to Virginia in 1956 when then Bishop Russell of Richmond asked them to staff Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Vienna. In 1964, Bishop Ireton High School was opened and began operation under the direction of the Oblates. Four years later, the Oblates staffed St. John Neumann parish and opened and staffed St. Paul VI High School.
The Oblates' presence in this diocese keeps alive the dream of St. Francis de Sales-to teach and preach the word of God by means of the gentle Salesian spirituality.
The following Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have staffed the St. John Neumann Parish over the years.
| Rev. Joseph T. Brennan, OSFS | Rev. Robert A. Brown, OSFS |
| Rev. James. E. Cassidy, OSFS | Rev. Charles M. Chamberlain, OSFS |
| Rev. William N. Dougherty, OSFS | Rev. John T. Gavin, OSFS |
| Rev. John A. Heenan, OSFS | Rev. Anthony J. Larry, OSFS |
| Rev. Patrick Kifolo, OSFS | Rev. Mark S. Mealey, OSFS |
| Rev. Thomas F. Malloy, OSFS | Rev. Thomas E. Murphy, OSFS |
| Rev. Patrick T. O'Connor, OSFS | Rev. Douglas R. Smith, OSFS |
| Rev. James M. Turner, OSFS | Rev. Michael Vannicola, OSFS |
| Rev. Robert Rutrledge, OSFS | |
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Parish Information |
Prayer & Liturgy |
Christian Formation |
Fellowship |
Social Justice & Outreach |
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11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 |
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703-860-8510 or info@saintjn.org |
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Copyright © 2007 St. John Neumann - All Rights Reserved
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