News Post

In freshman theology classes, students are learning about Salesian Spirituality - the charism we carry of the Sisters of the Visitation - and St. Francis de Sales' love of the rosary and special devotion to Mary, which influenced the Visitation Order he founded with St. Jane de Chantal. St. Jane noted that he prayed the rosary every day. St. Francis wrote, "I want the rosary said every day with as much love as possible."

Visitation's sacred tradition of the Living Rosary has evolved over time; today it is a Mother-Daughter event that takes place in October, the month dedicated to the rosary. 

Archivist Genevieve Kocienda pulled together packets for the freshmen to explore, highlighting how the Living Rosary has been celebrated over the past eight decades, including information from the Green Gate yearbook, old Wicket student newspapers, alumnae notes (magazine) of the past, and photographs. Students had a chance to review the materials and ask questions not only about the tradition, but also about the history of our school.

"This classroom activity is a wonderful introduction to Visi history and to one of its longest and most beautiful traditions," said Ms. Kocienda. 

"I enjoyed learning about the history of the Living Rosary," said freshman Isabella M. "I found it so interesting that back then [in the 50's] they used to wear beautiful dresses to this tradition ... and how the formality has evolved as time goes on."

"I hope our newest young Visitation women will learn how deeply rooted the Living Rosary tradition is at Visitation," said theology teacher Elizabeth McCarthy. "They can look to alumnae as models of faith for us today. Despite how the tradition has changed over the decades, they can see that the sense of community and love has always been a constant."

Isabella said she took away just that, now understanding how important the event is to the school and the Sisters. "The time we spent reviewing materials helped me understand our calling [to love and pray the rosary] by showing me how important the tradition is and how long it has been going on for," she said. "Before reading these materials, I thought that Living Rosary was just another event ... I understand now why we love and pray the rosary; it brings our community together and honors the history of Visitation." 

"I pray they will carry forth this beautiful tradition with their mothers this year so that generations into the future, young Visi women will look to them as models of faith and hope in our world," said Mrs. McCarthy.