Visitandines in Rome

With the Salesians Morand Wirth and Francis Desramaut, both Salesian scholars (Morand at Rome, Francis in Lyons), I went to the Visitation monastery this morning, in via Galla Placidia. It was the first time I've gone there.

The sisters welcomed us very warmly; it seems that Salesians visit often, ever since Don Bosco paid his visit to the Roman Visitandines in the 1860s. We met five different sisters, as they came in the little parlor to chat, but since it is Wednesday and spring cleaning, they
were moving in and out. I only managed to take a photo of two of the sisters: the superior with the convent historian.

The reason for the visit is that Morand wanted to give the sisters a copy of his new book, "Francis de Slaes and Education". The book appeared originally in French last September; the
Italian translation came out last week. He gave them the Italian version, with a signed dedication. The sisters looked through the table of contents right away, and a whole string of associations and stories came out. Wonderful conversation!

Then Morand asked the Sisters to show me two of the convent's prized relics. One is Francis de Sales watch; the second was the Ostensorium with a fiber of his heart that was presented to Pius IX in 1877 on the occasion of the declaration of Francis as Doctor of the Church. They
were happy to do so, but immediately said that there is a new treasure: an Ostensorium with blood and plasma from the heart of Francis de Sales. There is an amazing story behind this, but I'll save this for another time.

Both Morand and Francis know the Visitation communities in France, and Morand has been in Italy 10 years now, so know the community in Treviso and in Moncalieri as well. There are some things that I didn't understand -- juridical elements about structures etc, but the sisters told me that the bishops in Europe are not too interested in contemplative orders, and for some time there has been a priest who acts as an advocate for the communites with the bishops. I didn't catch the name of this office, but until now the priest has always been a Jesuit. Now that priest became ill one year ago, and has stepped aside. The Visitandines here in Italy have asked the Holy See that the next person be a Salesian. They have submittted three names (all of SDBs) and are hoping for a favorable reply soon.