VISITATION NUN OF HOLY MARY
Visitation Nun of Holy Mary – Sister Marguerite Marie of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, V.H.M. Ordo Visitationis Beatissimae Mariae Virginis “Mount Calvary is the Academy of Love” – St. Francis de Sales “Hell is full of the talented, but Heaven the energetic,” – St. Jane de Chantal “Vive Jésus” – “Live Jesus”
Founders: Saint Francis de Sales ( the “Dear Abby of the 17th Century” ) Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
Place: Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France
Year: 1610 A.D.
Her Charism: Truly a work of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the dying Savior gave birth to this Congregation by opening the Wound in His Sacred Heart. This daughter of prayer possesses an interior discipline expressed primarily through practicing the gentleness and humility of the Heart of Jesus. Her vow of chastity is the lily of all virtues; her charity is the spiritual fire which breaks out into flame and then is called devotion. Her true devotion is “spiritual sugar.” Like Mary, she nurtures Christ in her heart through contemplation and models her example to the sick and the poor through selfless giving and openness to the needs of others. In all her interactions, she experiences the reciprocal enrichment so beautifully mirrored in the exchange between Mary, after her journey of mercy, and her cousin Elizabeth. She brings the mystery of the Visitation to life by carrying the Presence of Jesus to others in the unfolding events of each day. This Sister of “inspired common sense” (the “little virtues” of optimism, gentleness, strength, kindness, and humility) desires to make music in harmony with Jesus. in the House of God and the Gate of Heaven where she strives to live in the Heart of Jesus’ mercy, kindness, and love.