A message from Salesian Life and Campus Ministry:

“When we are absorbed in enjoyment of God’s goodness, liberty will be converted into love and love into liberty, a liberty infinitely sweet. Without effort, without pain, and without any struggle we shall unchangingly and forever love the Creator and Savior of our souls.” –St. Francis de Sales

In "Introduction to the Devout Life," St. Francis de Sales outlines the need for leisure and recreation in one’s life. As cofounder of the Visitation Order, he encouraged St. Jane and her sisters to take time for recreation. 

The Visitation Sisters took their founders’ advice! A peek into the monastery archives reveals treasured photos of the Visitation Sisters enjoying the beauty of the campus during the summer months. Their outdoor fun included picnics, garden parties, lawn games and working in their gardens. An annual Fourth of July celebration was a favorite event of the Sisters when they enjoyed American cookout fare, special desserts, and perhaps a croquet competition.

Across the river, the Minneapolis Visitation Sisters include as much summer outdoor recreation as the weather allows! The Sisters adopt a number of chrysalises each spring, and the first of this year’s butterfly releases took place on Sister Mary Frances’s birthday. Days later, Sister Brenda was celebrated with lake fun, including kayaking, on her June birthday. Supporting the Catholic Youth Center (CYC) campers is another June event that the Sisters look forward to each year. Campers were ready for their week with necessary supplies at this year’s send off and enjoyed a great week at CYC Camp on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN. 

This past weekend, the Minneapolis Sisters honored our nation’s 250 birthday on the Fourth of July with their own festivities, and supported the celebrations in their neighborhood. Ever devoted to their life of prayer, the Sisters’ chapel reflected their gratitude for our forefathers, and the Declaration of Independence. Red, white, and blue flowers enhanced the beauty of their sacred space. 

May we remember St. Francis de Sales’ words as we relax and recreate this summer, and become “absorbed in enjoyment of God’s goodness.”

Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us
Saint Jane de Chantel, pray for us
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us

Live + Jesus!