Drawn from the Little Virtues, inspired common sense, and spiritual counsel found in the writings and teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, monthly Salesian themes have been chosen for our journey through each school year.

Network of Visitation Schools Theme for 2019-2020:

Carrying the Charism: A Tradition of Living Jesus

August: Joyful optimism

Eagerness to ‘Live Jesus!’ will enable us to exercise holy love in all things, great or small. ​- St. Jane de Chantal

September: Kindness

I repeat with all my strength, dear Sisters, be kind to one another, respect one another’s opinions, do not criticize, and I beg you, interpret everything positively.​ ​- St. Jane de Chantal 

October: perseverance

Grace never fails us, never leaves us, unless we leave it. Our good God waits for us patiently in our delays; he unceasingly calls us even though we don't answer him; he knocks at the very door of the heart that is shut to him.​ ​- St. Jane de Chantal 

November: gratitude

Would that I could exhaust myself in acts of thanksgiving and gratitude towards this divine Heart, for the great favor He shows us in deigning to accept our help to make Him known, loved and honored.  
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 

December: humility

It is a good practice of humility not to study the actions of others except to find out their virtues... Whatever we may see our neighbor do, we must always interpret his or her conduct in the best manner possible.​ ​- St. Francis de Sales 

January: Gentleness

Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength. ​- St. Francis de Sales 

February: honesty

Straightforwardness and simplicity are the virtues proper to us.​ - St. Francis de Sales 

March: Courage

Courageous feelings do not lie within our power, but courageous conduct does indeed lie within our power. This is it that God requires of you at the moment, while he holds you on the cross. ​- St. Jane de Chantal

April: simplicity

She who walks simply, walks securely. We must therefore seek God in the simplicity of our hearts. 
- St. Jane de Chantal 

May: Hospitality

We may be excused for not always being bright, but we are not excused for not being gracious, yielding and considerate.​ ​- St. Francis de Sales 

June: generosity

“And in gratitude we ought to be conspicuous, as true Daughters of our Blessed Father, who of all men in the world, was the fullest of gratitude and affability towards all sorts of persons.”
- St. Jane de Chantal

In the spirit of hospitality, please join us each month as we welcome an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales to celebrate Mass with the Visitation community. All are welcome for liturgical celebration and spiritual nourishment in the Salesian tradition! All Masses are at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart unless noted otherwise.

1. Salesian Community Mass (Visi-Gonzaga Mass & Picnic) 9/15/2019
2. Salesian Community Mass (Chapel) 10/20/2019
3. Salesian Community Mass (Chapel) 11/17/2019
4. Salesian Community Mass (Father/Daughter Mass & Brunch) (Nolan) 12/8/2019
5. Salesian Community Mass (Chapel) 1/12/2020
6. Salesian Community Mass (Chapel) 2/9/2020
7. Salesian Community Mass (Mother/Daughter Mass & Tea) (Nolan) 3/22/2020
8. Salesian Community Mass (Alumnae Reunion Weekend) (Chapel) 4/26/2020
9. Salesian Community Mass (Chapel) 5/17/2020

8:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room ~ Second Tuesday of the Month. Join us for one or all!

Sisters, alumnae, parents, and faculty come together once a month for spiritual nourishment and learning about Visitation’s Salesian charism. Sr. Mary Berchmans '48 & '50 and Sr. Loretta’s “Salesian Friends Group” explores the timeless and inspired teaching of our founders and the spirit that infuses all that we do at Visitation. Each year the group focuses on a different book.

For 2019-20 the group will be discussing Inspired Common Sense by Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS. This short booklet contains brief reflections on 7 fundamental themes
of Salesian Spirituality based on the writings and teachings of St. Francis de Sales & St. Jane de Chantal. From Holiness and Daily Life to Living the Little Virtues, Fr. Fiorelli masterfully articulates the basics of this everyday, practical spirituality.

2019-2020 Dates

• September 10
• October 8
• November 12
• December 10
• January 14
• February 11
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Sponsored with the support of the Salesian Center, the Women Who Make A Difference Speaker Series brings “great-hearted women” to campus to share how they have heard and responded to the call to live lives of faith, vision, and purpose.

2019-20 Speakers

• Maribeth Harper, Author - October 1, 2019
• Kati Hylden Krueger '99, "Procession of Love" - October 17, 2019
• Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, Artist and a Salesian "Man Who Makes a Difference" - November 1, 2019

2018-19 Speakers

• • Marie Therese Kane '14, Environmental Justice Advocate, spoke on Founders Day about "Small Seeds, Big Purpose" and mobilizing others around environmental and social justice issues.

     

    2017-18 Speakers
    • Meghan Ogilvie, CEO of Dog Tag Inc., spoke about "baking a difference" in the lives of transitioning veterans and military families, encouraging service and trust in God. Watch her speech here.
    • Margaret Camarca, nurse, writer, humanitarian, spoke on "Sowing Seeds of Peace: My Life at Mother of Mercy Hospital in Sudan."
    2016-17 Speakers

     

    • Rebecca Kamen, sculptor & lecturer, spoke about her work "STRATA: The Interconnection of Art, Science, and Spirituality."
    • Dr. Nancy Cowdin, neuroscience researcher & Visitation science teacher, spoke on “Sleep, Memory, and Emotions.” Dr. Cowdin presented current research findings on how sleep quality and quantity affect learning and health.
    • Cokie Roberts, journalist, political commentator, and author, was this year's Rosemary Hannan Mother-Daughter Book Talk guest. Ms. Roberts spoke on her most recent work, “Capital Dames," an account of the experiences, contributions, and influence of women in Washington, DC, during the Civil War era, including several Visitation alumnae.
    • Sr. Mada-anne Gell, VHM, Monastery archivist, spoke about Visitation Sisters who were World’s Fair prize-winners, architects, engineers, computer pioneers, artists, authors, and historians who made lasting contributions to American education.
    • Anne Goetze shared the love and story behind her photographic painting exhibit, "Pray to Love, Love to Pray: The Annecy France Nun Series.”
    • Magda Pettey (Veronika '17) reflected on God’s mercy and grace during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

To share the charism of the Visitation Sisters, Georgetown Visitation offers weekly spiritual reflections for members and friends of our Salesian family far and wide. Learn more about our Loving Life, Living Jesus reflections.

Salesian Lay Association for Men (SLAM) gatherings are an opportunity for fathers of Visitation students - current and graduates - to gather monthly for Mass, fellowship, and Salesian formation.

SLAM was founded by and for fathers of students and graduates of Oblate Salesian schools who were attracted to the practical and optimistic spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. Their Apostolic Mission is “living Jesus” through practicing the Spiritual Directory of St. Francis de Sales, praying for the Church and for one another. The Visitation SLAM embraces this same mission, particularly as it is lived out in their vocations as fathers of Visitation women.

The Visitation SLAM meets on the third Saturday of the month during the school year, joining the Sisters at Mass in the Chapel at 7:30 a.m., then gathering at 8:00 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge for an hour of coffee, prayer, and conversation about that month’s Salesian readings (2-3 pages of Salesian writings, emailed in advance with a copy always on hand as well).

Come to SLAM once or every month, as your schedule allows.

Questions? VFC SLAM Leader, Scott Troxell (Meg ‘14, Katie ‘20) peaceboxtrox@gmail.com