News Post

Visitation celebrated Founders Day - a day to deepen our sense of sisterhood and understanding of Visitation's rich history - on the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM. 

In the Opening Mass, Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, reminded Visitation that we can walk with both gentleness and humility: "We can change the world because we have both feet on the ground, and we are on fire."

"My hope for Founders Day this year was to create opportunities for us to come together as a community, to learn more about how our history shows us how we have evolved in a few scenarios (with GRACE - Gentle Strength, Respect, Awareness, Clarity, and Encounter) in a way that hopefully inspires us to be catalysts for positive change," said Kati Hylden Krueger '99, Director of the St. Jane de Chantal Salesian Center.

Students watched the school's 225th anniversary video, heard about the history of traditions like Esprit de Noel and Living Rosary, and were introduced to alumnae who have lived like Jesus in the world. Students then broke out into smaller sessions of service, creative pursuits, history, and more.

"Students could engage more deeply with an area of our history, perform service for a community in need, or reflect on our call to action in remaining true to our moral values, despite the headwinds of culture," noted Ms. Krueger.

Assisting the Salesian Center was the new leadership program - Faith in Action (FIAT). 

"We are so excited to launch the new Faith-In-Action Team of student leaders. The students prepared presentations on the school community, led us in prayer, and ran some of the breakout sessions," said Ms. Krueger. "Their insights into what students needed to hear and do made the day significantly more engaging."

"Faith-in-Action wished to make Founders Day a way for girls to increase involvement and have fun while also serving those in need around us. As Visi reflected on the ups and downs of our history, FIAT also wanted to ensure we grow and improve as a community," said Sofia '26. "In one of the breakout sessions, I led a sandwich-making activity for Martha’s Table. It was filled with excitement, friendly competition, and joy for service as we made 1,000 sandwiches."

Director of Christian Service Anasofia Gutierrez helped lead a "Walk a Mile in My Shoes," a simulation of the refugee journey designed by JRUSA. “The activity was really eye-opening for our students and community," said Ms. Gutierrez. "In an age of divisive rhetoric about our migrant and refugee neighbors, this activity helped to shine a light on the Catholic call to walk with our neighbors with courage and anchored hope.”