We, the Visitandines of Moulins, is the title of the new exposition highlighting 400 years of the Visitation Order in the city of Moulins, France.
Founded in 1616, this Visitandine community was the place where Visitation’s Foundress, St. Jane de Chantal, spent her last days on earth before entering eternity.
Filled with history, this Monastery welcomed the widow of the Duke of Montmorency after he was beheaded in those politically tumultuous times. She became a simple religious known as Sister Marie Henriette.
The artwork is exquisite and historical documents will be on view for the first time ever.
A book accompanies this exhibit, in French; entitled The Fervor of Living. It is the result of extensive work: research in private and public archives. It tells the story of the Visitation in Moulins, punctuated with anecdotes and events that we imagine would not be possible within the walls of a convent.
For if the Visitandines are firstly religious, they also fully assume their responsibilities in the design of buildings, obtaining financing, producing crops and livestock.
This exciting and documented book is richly illustrated with previously unpublished artwork.
5 The exhibit runs May 5 -December 24, 2015
83, rue d’Allier à Moulins, France
Phone: 04 70 44 39 03