Salesian Spirituality is a way of living the Gospel as learned, lived, and shared by St. Francis de Sales (1567 – 1622) and St. Jane de Chantal (1572 – 1641). The first disciples of it were the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, a community of contemplative women established by these two saints in 1610. Their vision continues today, lived by people of all walks, states, and stages of life.
One cannot hope to adequately plumb the depths of this spirituality, but you can read some of the more salient attributes of Salesian spirituality.
Want to deepen your understanding of Salesian Spirituality? We offer a variety of opportunities to learn and grow with others in the Salesian Spirituality.
2025 Salesian Activities and Events
Winter Salesian Classes
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: January 28, February 4,
February 11, February 18 and February 25
Presenter: Carol Swiger
Five one-hour sessions
in the Brown-McCarthy Auditorium.
Class focus: “Live Today Well”
by Fr. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS
Salesian Spirituality challenges us to answer the question… What values or considerations determine how long I hang onto something, whether spiritual or material? Do I hang onto it out of habit, usefulness, potential, tradition, revenge, sadness?” In his day, St. Francis de Sales, counseled many people who struggled with these very questions. His sage advice and wisdom helped so many that he was encouraged to write a how to book which he titled, “Introduction to the Devout Life.” This plan for living the Gospel is as relevant today as it was when written.
Using a contemporary re-write of his text, the five-session class will explore these questions and help us on our journey to be the best we can be by living in the present moment.
Wednesday at 7 p.m.: January 29, February 5,
February 19 and February 26
Presenter: Fr. Donald J. Heet, OSFS
Four one-hour sessions
in the Brown-McCarthy Auditorium.
Class focus: “Francis de Sales, Pope Francis,
and the Sacred Heart“
Last October, Pope Francis issued his fourth encyclical, Dilexi Nos, reflecting on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He paid special attention to the contributions of St. Francis de Sales and St. Margaret Mary, a Visitation Sister, whose mystical experiences sparked modern devotion to the Sacred Heart. In this course, we will look at the specific contributions of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, the devotion as it grew from the time of St. Margaret Mary into the 20th century, and Pope Francis’ insights on how the devotion could be practiced in the 21st century. No prior knowledge of Salesian spirituality is required.
Salesian Monthly Presentations
Presenter: Fr. Michael S. Murray, OSFS
All presentations are at 7 p.m.
in the Brown-McCarthy Auditorium.
February 12: “The Three Cs of Salesian Spirituality”
Based upon three Conferences given by
Francis de Sales to the Sisters of the Visitation
April 2: “Obedience in the Salesian Tradition”
Drawn from two Conferences given by
Francis de Sales to the Visitation Sisters
May 7: “Model of Devotion—The Virtues of St. Joseph”
Drawn from a variety of writings and
reflections by Francis de Sales
Live Jesus! 2025
20th Annual Event
“Bend Don’t Break: The Art of Salesian Spirituality”
March 29, 2025
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
8 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speakers and Mass
Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS
DeSales University
president
Keynote Speaker
Olivia Wills Kane
National Visitation Salesian Network of Schools,
Ministry Coordinator
“The Art of Surrender”
Carol Swiger
Live Jesus! Founder,
St. John Neumann Parishioner
“Bend Don’t Break: The Art of Living Jesus!“
Registration for 2025 Salesian Winter Classes & Presentations
