From October 3rd to 5th, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales celebrated the double jubilee of their foundation and the death of the Visitandine we call “the Good Mother.” Mother Marie de Sales Chappuis, superior of the Visitation of Troyes and inspiration of our two Congregations, died on October 7, 1875. We, the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales, rejoiced with our Oblate Brothers and Fathers. Part of the Triduum was hosted in our houses.
Saturday, October 4: Welcome lunch
After the festive Eucharistic celebration at the Visitation and a tour of the monastery, Oblates, Oblates Sisters, and pilgrims from different countries gathered at the Mother House for lunch. Swiss musicians entertained the guests by playing the alphorn. We had the opportunity to hear them several times throughout the jubilee. It was like an echo of the origins of the Good Mother.
A film: “In Season and Out of Season”
The Oblate Fathers wanted to make a film to present their Congregation and its place in the world today. Produced in record time, it is nevertheless of high quality. It was screened “in preview” at our house in the early afternoon in the presence of Sébastien Garagnon, the director.
Round table discussion: “The History and Values of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales”
The afternoon continued with a round table discussion moderated by Jean-François Laville. Various speakers took turns:
- Sr. Geneviève-Agnès (OSFS): presented an overview of life in the 19th century. She discussed the history of the foundation and the social changes of that era.
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Father Aldino Kiesel (OSFS): spoke on the theme: “They are affectionately called Good Mother and Good Father.” He returned to the origins of the Foundation and showed how the original intuition is still relevant today. Unable to attend due to commitments in Brazil, he recorded his talk in advance and Father Thierry Marcoz (OSFS) translated it on site.
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Father Barry Strong (OSFS): Superior General, spoke to us about the expansion of his institute from its origins to the present day.
Time for visits
After the round table discussion, participants who wished to do so were able to visit different areas of the Mother House. Each group circulated under the banner of one of our Founders to discover and listen to the explanations given. Visitors to the chapel and crypt received explanations about the work of Henri Charlier for these sites. Visitors to the crypt were also able to pray at the tombs of St. Leonie Aviat and Blessed Louis Brisson. In the museum, they admired the mementos of our founders: objects that had served them, carefully preserved by the first Sisters. Everyone admired Father Brisson’s astronomical clock, which fascinates with the simplicity of its mechanism.
Fraternal encounters
This jubilee allowed the Oblates to return to the source of their Congregation and their vocation. It was also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between Oblates and Oblates Sisters both during the preparation and throughout the three days of celebration. Thanks be to God!
