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 learn more about Salesian Spirituality?
Consider participating in the Annual Salesian Retreat, attending Fr. Michael’s monthly Salesian presentations, or digging deeper in one (or all) of our 2025-2026 Salesian classes.
2025-26 Salesian Activities and Events
SAVE THE DATE: Annual Salesian Retreat
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Brown-McCarthy Auditorium at SJN
Retreat Leader: Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
Monthly Salesian Presentations
All Salesian Presentations are led by Fr. Michael S. Murray, OSFS in the Brown-McCarthy Auditorium at 7 p.m.
September 10: “Martha and Mary: A Salesian perspective on prayer and action”
November 5: “Body of Christ: A Salesian perspective on Real Presence”
December 3: “Comfort and Joy: A Salesian perspective on Advent and Christmas”
February 4: Topic TBD
March 4: Topic TBD
May 6: Topic TBD
Salesian Classes
In response to suggestions from the community regarding adult formation at SJN, this year we are extending our class offerings to include Saturday mornings, in addition to the Wednesday morning and evening sessions.
FALL 2025
Topic: “Live Today Well”
Leader: Carol Swiger
Time/Location: Saturdays at 10 a.m. in the SJN Conference Room
Dates: October 11, October 18, November 8 and November 15 (four sessions)
One of life’s challenges is knowing when to let go and when to hang on to relationships, material items, and feelings. In spiritual terms, it is a study in attachment versus detachment.
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 it was written.
Using a contemporary re-write of his text, this four-session class will explore these questions and many more that will help us on our journey to be the best we can be by living today well.
WINTER 2026
* Registration Begins After Thanksgiving *
Topic: “St. Jane de Chantal: Telling the Story”
Leader: Fr. Don Heet, OSFS
Time/Location: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the SJN Conference Room
Dates: January 14, January 28, February 4 and February 11
Fr. Heet has been working on a video biography of Jane de Chantal: Wife, Mother, Friend of Francis de Sales, Co-founder of the Visitation, and Saint. In this course, participants will view the unfinished film and offer constructive suggestions on how it can be improved. In the process, they will learn a lot about this remarkable woman.
Topic: “Resetting Spiritual GPS“
Leader: Carol Swiger
Time/Location: Saturdays at 10 a.m. in the SJN Conference Room
Dates: January 17, January 31, February 7 and February 14
Like the phone and computer, occasionally we need to stop and reboot. The same is true of our spiritual life. This four-session class will explore St. Francis de Sales’ advice on how to reset Spiritual GPS and live an intentional life.
SPRING 2026
* Registration Begins in March *
Topic: “St. Jane de Chantal: Telling the Story”
Leader: Fr. Don Heet, OSFS
Time/Location: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium
Dates: April 15, April 22, April 29 and May 13
Topic: “Live Today Well” (Repeat of Fall Class)
Leader: Carol Swiger
Time/Location: Saturdays at 10 a.m. in the SJN Conference Room
Dates: April 18, April 25, May 2 and May 9
SAVE THE DATE for next year’s Live Jesus! on March 14, 2026, at St. Paul VI High School in Chantilly, VA.
Presentations from Live Jesus! 2025
Presentations from Live Jesus! 2024
Presentations from Live Jesus! 2023
