VOCATIONS - FOUNDATION OF VISITATION, ANNECY, FRANCE

In the early 1600's, a woman had to be physically strong, single, and young if she wished to become a religious. The bishop, Francis de Sales, saw the need for a religious community that would substitute interior self-discipline for the physical austerities customary in the convents of his day.

In 1604, he met the young widow, Jane Frances Fremyot de Chantal. He recognized her as his co-worker in actualizing his dream for a new form of religious life. At the same time, she recognized him as the spiritual director God had promised her in a dream. For the next six years Francis guided Jane until she, along with her two companions, Marie Jacqueline Favre and Jeanne Charlotte de Brechard, were ready and free to begin the Visitation Order on Trinity Sunday, June 6, 1610.

Francis de Sales, founder of the Visitation Order in 1610, wrote,
"This Congregation is founded spiritually on Mount Calvary for the service of Jesus Christ crucified, in imitation of whom all the sisters must crucify their senses, imaginations, passions, inclinations, aversions, and humors for the love of their Heavenly Father."
- St. Francis de Sales, Constitution XXXIII

Marie Jacqueline Favre, the youngest of first 3 Visitation sisters, wrote,
"My life is wholly dedicated to the service of God, and it matters little whether it be long or short, whether I spend it here or there, in this or in that employment; all is alike indifferent to me. . . Command me freely, and I will die rather than fail in obedience; and this I say with my whole heart."
- Letter to Francis de Sales

Jane de Chantal, the foundress of the Visitation Order, taught,
"Simplicity towards God consists in seeking Him only in all our actions, whether we are going to the Office, dining room, or recreation; let us go everywhere to seek God and to obey God. In all our works, let us seek to please only God and to advance in His love."
- St. Jane de Chantal Conference XLIV

Jeanne Charlotte de Brechard, one of first 3 Visitation sisters, wrote,
"It is true that the less there is in our works of the creature, the more there is of God. . . Let us be cheerful in our little exercises before God, in order that we may rejoice in Him in our little labors, by the merits of His most holy Passion..."
- Jeanne Charlotte de Brechard, Letter to Mother de Chatel