St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary in Annecy, now France and our Monastery there is affectionately referred to as our “Holy Source”
A recent communication from the Sisters in Annecy delighted us with uplifting news about the state of faith in that city, expressed in several different holy events there.
The most significant occasion was the Consecration of the city of Annecy to the Blessed Mother, in December 2013. This special blessing was preceded by an event called “24 Hours with Mary”, with a procession of the Virgin’s statue from the Church of Our Lady of the Visitation, Vesper services, and a celebration of lights from balconies and windows. Nothing daunted these Christians! A power outage occurred three times during the homily of the Diocesan Bishop, but the people lit torches and sang Ave Maria all the more!
Earlier, in August 2013, the annual Salesian Week was held in Annecy with the theme” Dare to Say your Faith Today” and was well attended.
The Visitation Monastery in Annecy is adjacent to its Basilica, where many people come year round to pray at the tombs of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
All in all, the faith is alive in Annecy!
References: “24 Hours with Mary” :
Salesian Week: