We have arrived at our Final Day of preparation for the Feast of St. Jane de Chantal which is tomorrow, August 12th, by having meditated on her words of guidance for those discerning a religious vocation.
There is a prayer, and a hope, Visitation Sisters have when journeying with a discerner, which we often say to them, along the lines of “May Our Lady make a secret visitation to your heart”
This secret visitation is explained by St Jane de Chantal in her Answers, page 262.
“You ask what is this secret visitation?
It is the particular inspiration which we have all received to enter into this Religious Order, by which we have been gathered together and called to the same vocation.”
St. Jane then emphasized what the call consists of: “See, Sisters, I entreat you, to what we are called is to a devotion not tender, soft but strong, courageous, exalted and universal. Oh God, let us generously aspire to this happiness.
It is a spirit of strength and generosity, which makes us work according to the spirit of grace.”
If you have followed these days of preparation and feel you want to explore further with a Visitation Community, perhaps you have received a secret visitation to your heart.
You are welcome to contact a Visitation Monastery to continue your discernment. May St. Jane de Chantal bless you abundantly on her Feast!