28th NATIONAL SALESIAN CONFERENCE presents
THE VISITATION: SALESIAN ICON FOR TODAY

Saturday, August 7, 2010     8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

What will the day include?

- 7 location live simulcast
- 3 presentations on the Mystery of the Visitation
- Shared Opening and Closing Prayer among ALL sites
- Continental breakfast and lunch
- Salesian Marketplace

PRESENTED LOCALLY: Visitation Academy, 3020 North Ballas Road, Saint Louis, Missouri  63131

In the Gospel account of the Visitation, after hearing Gabriel's announcement, Mary goes in haste to visit her relative, Elizabeth.  In this encounter of mothers and their sons, St. Francis and St. Jane see the relational nature of the entire gospel, and put forth this image as the icon for heart to heart living. 
Our 2010 Conference will explore this Visitation mystery in the Salesian tradition.

TO REGISTER: Registration to DeSales Resources and Ministries is necessary for seating and lunch
1-800-782-2270  or  www.desalesresource.org  (please register by Monday, July 30)

COST: Free will offering at registration or day of the conference

New Book Celebrates 400 Years of the Visitation
 
THE VISITATION  1610-2010
A monastic way of life in the Church

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Visitation Order,
the Second Federation of the Visitation commissioned this special book.

Beginning with a fresh biographical account of the two founders,
St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales, this hardcover book spans four centuries, sharing fascinating information and beautiful illustrations. The first 40 pages illustrate and narrate the birth of the order, its spirituality and its mission today around the world and continues with a 2-page summary of each of the 12 Visitation monasteries in the United States.  The book
crystallizes a powerful legacy of prayer, service and education. 
It is a helpful overview of a beloved, enduring institution and a welcome
opportunity to see and celebrate all that has blossomed in the past 400 years.

TO ORDER YOUR COPY

The cost of the book is $24 which includes shipping and handling.
You may contact either 314-625-9235 or lisachassaing@visitationacademy.org to order.
Checks may be made payable to: Visitation Monastery
Orders may be sent to: Visitation Monastery, Attn: Book Order, 3020 N. Ballas Rd., Saint Louis, MO  63131
Please be sure to include your contact info - name, phone or email

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VISITATION

Visitation sisters from 6 different U.S. monasteries travel to Annecy, France  

In honor of the foundation of the Visitation a pilgrimage to Annecy and other places of interest occurred in July of 2009.

This cross marks the place where Castle de Sales stood.  Here Francis de Sales had his vision of a long line of women who would serve God.

These sisters are from the Visitation Monasteries in Saint Louis, MO; Minneapolis, MN; Mendota Heights, MN; Washington, DC; Brooklyn, NY and Tyringham, MA

Our own Sister Mary Grace is pictured third from left in the back row.

Visitation Academy
Septa-quinta-quinque-centennial (175th) Year Mass and Reception

Concluding the year-long celebration in 2008, nearly 700 members of the Visitation Community were on hand as the Most Reverend Archbishop Raymond L. Burke along with Rev. Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS, Homilist, celebrated Mass in the Buder Gym.  The Mass procession began with representative members of the Viz Community bearing items of significance in the history of Visitation.  A banner with our motto, Live Jesus, a copy of "The Treatise of the Love of God," written by St. Francis de Sales dated 1618, the Vow Book dating back to 1833, the original seal from Kaskaskia, a school bell and finally a Crescent pin from the class of 1910. 
A reception, sponsored by the Mothers' Club, in DeChantal Hall immediately followed Mass. 

We, the Sisters of the Visitation of Saint Louis, have come from seven different houses to live in a community whose primary focus for nearly 177 years has been prayer and the education of women in the Salesian tradition. Historically, we have responded to circumstances. Today, we seek to mold our own future by incorporating our education and experiences into the contemporary culture so as to deepen our relationship with God and to contribute to the good of our neighbor. We need courage to risk ongoing renewal as a faith community growing in trust in God, love of one another, and appreciation of our differences. As a prayerful community bonded by love and forgiveness, we search for new life in our charism by living Jesus' compassion. - Our Mission Statement