The Visitation Salesian Network of Schools

Educating the Mind and Heart in the Visitation Tradition

Salesian Pilgrimages

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The VSN works with the schools to regularly sponsor summer pilgrimages to Visitation holy places in France as one way for lay educators and student leaders of our three Visitation school communities in the United States to carry the charism forward into the future. Alternating summers between students and adults, pilgrims spend a week exploring the roots of Salesian Spirituality at La Sainte Source in Annecy as well as other sites significant to saints in the Salesian tradition. This invitation to deepen one’s faith by walking in the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal is a powerful journey of reflection, connection, and grace.

The Visitation Salesian Network (VSN) treasures the gift of pilgrimage – to Annecy, France, the birthplace of the Visitation Order, and to other sites sacred to our Salesian saints. On these journeys we encounter St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales not only with our minds but with our hearts, discerning our place in the living procession of the Visitation charism—a procession St. Francis envisioned in 1602 and that we continue today.

Annecy, France, is the birthplace of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The Basilica and current Sisters’ Monastery sits atop the hill overlooking the town. The sides of the Basilica are lined with magnificent stained glass windows depicting significant events in the lives of Saints Francis and Jane. The tombs of the saints are located in the sanctuary.

Annecy: Basilica of the Visitation

The Galerie House is the first home of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary established by St. Jane de Chantal on June 6, 1610. The Sisters declared "this is the place of our delight and rest" as they learned to live and pray together while serving their neighbors. St. Francis de Sales imparted lessons on holiness and helped define the Sisters’ "spiritual rule."

Annecy: St. Jane de Chantal, First Visitation Galerie House

After St. Francis de Sales was ordained a priest, he was sent as a missionary to preach in the Chablais region of the Duchy of Savoy (western Alps) from 1594-1597. Francis climbed the hill from Protestant Geneva for his safety to Les Allinges to sleep. Here, he prayed, celebrated the Eucharist, and penned pamphlets distributed to Catholics in the city.

Les Allinges: Mission of St. Francis de Sales

Thorens lies near the castle-like childhood home of St. Francis de Sales. Here he had a pivotal and prophetic vision; one where St. Jane de Chantal would lead a long procession of women clothed in religious habits. Together they founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (VHM). Many lay persons continue to carry this spiritual tradition forward.

Thorens: St. Francis de Sales Home and Vision

The Parish Church of Thorens is where St. Francis de Sales was baptized and received his early sacraments.

Thorens: St. Francis Parish Church

Verosvres is the birthplace of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM. She had multiple visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Visitation Monastery in nearby Paray-le-Monial. Christ showed her His heart telling her, "My divine heart has exalted love for mankind and for you especially."

Paray-le-Monial: St. Margaret Mary & the Sacred Heart

The Church of St. Jane de Chantal in Monthelon, France became an important place for devotion after her husband died. The stained glass windows inside the church depict St. Jane de Chantal practicing the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

Monthelon: Life & Church of St. Jane de Chantal