As candidates assess their discernment experiences and pray about the Order or Congregation the Lord may be calling them to, it is an excellent idea to consider the spirit of the Institute and the way that spirit is lived out.
Here are some of the Founder St. Francis de Sales’ own thoughts on the “Spirit of the Rules” of the Visitation Order.
“We come to the particular end for which our Congregation of the Visitation was founded. I have always considered that it is a spirit of profound humility towards God, and of great gentleness with our neighbor; the more so because, treating the body with less severity, it must all the more foster kindliness of heart.
All the ancient Fathers agree that where rigor of corporal mortification is wanting, there ought to be more perfection of mind; therefore humility towards God, and gentleness toward your neighbor, must in your houses take the place of the austerity of others.”
Source: Conference XIII, St Francis de Sales