No. 27 • July 2011

Founded in 1997 and published biannually by the International Commission for Salesian Studies (ICSS) of the Oblates of St.

Fr. Louis Brisson’s Heroic Practice of the Virtues

(As reported in ICSS Newsletter, No. 25 [April 2010]: 13, on 19 December 2009, Benedict XVI, acting on the recommendations of the Congregation for the Causes of , declared that “the , Louis Brisson [Figure 1.1], priest and founder of the Oblates and Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, practiced the of Faith, Hope, and Charity toward God and neighbor as well as the of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude and related virtues to a heroic degree.” The ICSS is pleased to make available here an English translation prepared by Fr. Daniel G. Gambet, OSFS, of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints’ decree concerning Fr. Brisson’s heroic practice of the virtues. Fr. Gambet [Ph.D., in Latin and Greek, University of Pennsylvania] is President Emeritus of De Sales University, Center Valley, Pa., and was one of the crafters of the ICSS Statute approved by the 14th General Chapter of the De Sales Oblates [1976].) 

CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS

TROYES

CONCERNING THE AND OF THE SERVANT OF GOD

L OUIS B RISSON PRIEST FOUNDER OF THE OBLATES AND OBLATE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES (1817–1908) Figure 1.1. Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS (detail), by Lia Lamböck, cover illustration from Dirk Koster, OSFS, Louis Brisson (Noorden: Bert Post, 2008). Fr. Brisson was DECREE CONCERNING HIS VIRTUES ordained to the priesthood on 19 December 1840. He subsequently served as “At this moment I am aware of the effects of your presence in chaplain and confessor to the Visitation Monastery in Troyes for over forty years, my spirit. You are sons of God, who made me mindful of my and was the founder of two religious communities: the Oblates and Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. Because of Fr. Brisson’s well-known reputation for holiness, commitment to holiness, and because of whom I can at this which existed during his lifetime and only increased after his death, the diocese of moment cry out in faith: ‘Abba, Father!’ Nor will I any longer Troyes initiated the cause of his beatification and canonization in 1938. On 19 regard my God as a fearful judge but rather as a loving father to His December 2009, Pope Benedict XVI approved the recommendations of the brother and a friend to His sons.” Congregation for the Causes of Saints regarding Fr. Brisson’s heroic practice of Thus spoke Servant of God Louis Brisson in a the virtues and declared: “It has been established in the case at hand that the meditation written near the end of his long life, as he obediently Servant of God, Louis Brisson, priest and founder of the Oblates and Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, practiced the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and and trustingly resigned himself to the plans of divine Providence. Charity toward God and neighbor, as well as the cardinal virtues The Servant of God was born on 23 June 1817 at Plancy, of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude and related virtues to a , the only son of a strongly Christian family. His early heroic degree.” (continued on page 2) 2 ICSS NEWSLETTER education clearly emphasized the liberal arts, which he cultivated, teaching boys and young men and preaching God’s word be as one would a seed, over the course of the years. Soon, however, suppressed and their assets be confiscated by the State. The Oblate he manifested unmistakable signs of a priestly vocation. At age Fathers chose exile and left France, so that they would not be fifteen, he was accepted in the Minor Seminary of Troyes, and, deprived of functioning as priests. Fr. Brisson, entrusting himself to later, the Major Seminary, where a life of piety and intellect stood God’s will with customary equanimity, having grown old and out among his gifts. On 19 December 1840, he was ordained to the physically weak, yet still providing spiritual guidance to his priesthood. Then, because of poor health, he was appointed children in the Lord, chose to retire to his birthplace, Plancy, where teacher of religion and natural sciences at the school of the Sisters he continued his active direction of both Congregations and where of the Visitation and at the Seminary. In 1843, the Visitandines he experienced with strengthened faith a deepened understanding entrusted him with the ministries of Chaplain and Confessor to of the Cross. their community. He served in these roles for forty years, basing his With his body exhausted and greatly weakened by illness, the teaching on the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and practicing Servant of God, Louis, passed away peacefully in the Lord on the virtues of humility, simplicity, and gentleness in a heroic 2 February 1908, adding his own “Now, O Lord, You can dismiss manner. Throughout this time, Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, Your servant, because my eyes have seen Your salvation” (cf. Luke the Superior of the Visitation Monastery, zealously exhorted him to 2:29-30) to the prayer of the prophet of old. found a Congregation of priests who would live according to the Because of the Servant of God’s well-known reputation for spiritual teachings of the eminent Bishop of Geneva. holiness, which had existed throughout his lifetime and indeed In 1857, the Bishop of Troyes put the Servant of God in charge increased after his death, on 11 February 1938, the Curia of Troyes of the Catholic Association of St. Francis de Sales. The Association’s initiated the “Cause of Beatification and Canonization” by purpose was to protect the faith from heretical teachings, which at instituting the “Informative Process,” which, delayed because of that time were rejecting every notion of the supernatural. During war, was concluded on 15 December 1949. Following a his time as Diocesan moderator of this Association, Fr. Brisson Supplemental Process lasting from 8 July 1963 to 13 January 1964, undertook a number of initiatives designed to help and teach young the conclusions of the “Informative Process” were given the force women working and living in large numbers in the highly of law by decree of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints dated industrialized city of Troyes. The leadership for this effort came 6 October 1995. After a proposal was prepared and in keeping with from Visitation school students, among whom was St. Léonie the usual practice, in a meeting of the Theological Consultors it Aviat, who over time laid the foundation for the Institute of the was declared that the Servant of God had practiced Christian Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, which was officially approved virtues in a heroic manner. in 1890 by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. The Cardinals and Bishops in Ordinary Sessions on 2 October Subsequently, Fr. Brisson accepted the responsibility of starting 2007 and 29 September 2009, having received the required a diocesan school. It was then that Providence provided what explanations from the as well as the report of His Fr. Brisson had for some time hoped for and Mother Mary de Sales Excellency, Franco Croci, the Titular Bishop of Potentia in Piceno Chappuis had herself predicted would come: the School of and Presenter of the Cause, declared that the Servant of God, St. Bernard, which is truly the cradle of the Congregation of the Louis Brisson, had practiced the theological, cardinal, and related Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. This Congregation was finally virtues heroically. approved in 1887. Pope Benedict XVI, having in hand an exact report of all of The Servant of God combined a very active priestly ministry the foregoing and having received and approved the with an exemplary life of prayer. The Eucharist was the summit of his recommendations of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints way of life and of his daily, zealous search for the glory of God and signed by the Archbishop Prefect, today made the following His holy will. It was unfailingly clear that Fr. Brisson’s spirituality was declaration: It has been established in the case at hand that the Servant the primary cause and source of his pastoral work. As a spiritual of God, Louis Brisson, priest and founder of the Oblates and Oblate director, he sought to lead souls to experience the same intimacy Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, practiced the theological virtues of Faith, with Christ as he did and to imitate His virtues in fidelity to the Holy Hope, and Charity toward God and neighbor as well as the cardinal Father and the teachings of the universal magisterium. virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude and related In 1878, the Servant of God’s earthly journey became especially virtues to a heroic degree. difficult because of a number of disagreements with the Diocesan The Holy Father ordered that this decree be given the force of Authority, which caused him considerable suffering and torment. law and placed in the records of the Congregation for the Causes Nevertheless, Fr. Brisson never failed in his duty of charity toward of Saints. his Bishop, even in the most combative circumstances, always Given at on the 19th day of December, 2009 A.D. conducting himself in a moderate, temperate, and sincere fashion. A timely intervention of the Holy Sea restored harmony between + Angelus Amato, SDB the Bishop and the Servant of God, who acted with such constant Titular Archbishop of Sila care and profound gentleness that in an audience with him Pope Prefect Leo XIII declared: “Oh, Fr. Brisson, you are truly a man of peace!” In the early 1900s, the Servant of God and his work faced a + Michaël Di Ruberto new and very bitter struggle when a number of laws enacted over Titular Archbishop of Biccari time by the Republic ordered that Congregations dedicated to Secretary ICSS NEWSLETTER 3

Book Excerpt Winning Converts: The Mission in the Duchy of Chablais (This article is adapted from the book, Boundaries of Faith: Catholics and Protestants in the Diocese of Geneva, by Jill Fehleison [Kirksville, Mo.: Truman State University Press, 2010], 53-55, 61-62, 64-66. The author [Ph.D., in early modern European history, Ohio State University] is associate professor of history at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Ct., and a member of the Salesian Scholars Seminar. It is hoped that this article will open a window for our readers on the complexity of the Chablais mission, specifically its daunting challenges, necessarily collaborative nature, and primary Eucharistic focus. A review of this book also appears in this issue of the ICSS Newsletter.)

The Difficult Initial Phase of the Mission Reformed populations back to Catholicism.1 While the success of the mission was an impressive feat, it was a complex and difficult The young provost of the cathedral, Francis de Sales, enterprise for the future , and numerous individuals played a accompanied by his cousin and fellow priest, Louis de Sales (Figure role. The inauspicious start did not foreshadow the mission’s 2.1), set out for the fortress of Allinges located in the duchy of ultimate success or the reputation that de Sales would gain from the Chablais in September 1594 (Figure 2.2). Francis de Sales’s endeavor. The first months of the mission were not very promising biographers, including his nephew Charles-Auguste de Sales, and quickly discouraged the priests. In a letter to Antoine Favre, a recounted the mission efforts of the Chablais in hagiographic close friend, confidant, and senator of Savoy, de Sales complained terms, claiming de Sales almost single-handedly converted the that the local populations did not come hear him preach and civic leaders interfered in his mission.2 He protested to the bishop of Geneva, Claude de Granier (Figure 2.3), that people were very stubborn and had even reinstated a public ordinance that no one was required to attend Catholic services. De Sales voiced his disappointment to the bishop that some people wanted to hear him preach, but they feared being mistreated by the Bernese and the Genevans if they listened to him without shouting insults and holding rocks in their hands.3 The fear may not have been unfounded since troops regularly used the region as a battleground, and the inhabitants had faced various occupations in the past.4 De Sales claimed he felt like St. Paul in the early days of Christianity, describing the slow progress of his work: “We walk, but as the sick who, after leaving bed, find they have lost the use of their feet and, in poor health, do not know if they are more well than ill.”5 The words of Francis de Sales are not those of a man hopeful in his mission and reveal a very different figure from the one portrayed by many of his early biographers. By March 1595, Francis de Sales was spending more time preaching in the Protestant town of Thonon, but failed to convert many people, leading him to feel isolated and at times doubtful about his mission. He confided to Antonio Possevino, the Jesuit missionary and diplomat who had been an early mentor to de Sales, that even though he preached often, only three or four Huguenots attended his sermons. It felt as if he was preaching to the walls and he wondered if someone else might be better for the . One hopeful sign he revealed was that some people hid behind windows and doors to listen to him secretly.6 Throughout his stay in the Chablais, friends and other religious sustained the missionary with their correspondence offering support and advice. He mentioned to Antoine Favre that Père Chérubin Figure 2.1. St. Francis de Sales and His Cousin, Canon Louis de Sales, Invoking de Maurienne, a Capuchin missionary who would later join de the Protection of the Guardian Angel of the Chablais (detail). Francis and Louis Sales in the Chablais, advised him to continue offering sermons to de Sales entered the duchy of Chablais on 14 September 1594, the feast of the people and bring in new preachers if necessary to repeat the the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The two young missionaries were greeted by the message.7 Francis de Sales appeared overwhelmed in the early destruction left by the Calvinists in their wake: churches sacked and in shambles, stages of the mission, but this feeling is understandable considering crosses overturned, and the Château de Brens devastated. According to tradition, Francis and Louis knelt and prayed, invoking the protection of the duchy’s guardian he was one of only a handful of preachers trying to convince angel for their mission. They then hastened to the fortress of Allinges, where they thousands of Reformed followers to leave a faith they had known were warmly welcomed by Baron d’Hermance, a good friend of Francis’s father. for nearly sixty years. 4 ICSS NEWSLETTER

drama. Nothing is more reflective of the splendor of baroque Catholicism than the Forty Hours celebration. A reference to the time Christ was in His tomb before the resurrection, the Forty Hours included continual display of the Eucharist, preaching, confraternity processions, theater, and music. The devotion grew out of the liturgical ceremonies from the Middle Ages that centered on the period between Good Friday and Easter morning.11 Capuchin of Ferno is credited as the founder of this devotion, and Milan saw the first of such ceremonies in the 1520s and 1530s.12 The Eucharistic celebration gained popularity with the spread of the Tridentine decrees; the Capuchins, followed by the Jesuits and the Barnabites, spread it from the mid-sixteenth century onwards.13 In 1577 the visiting Carlo Borromeo performed the Forty Hours Devotions for Savoy in Turin.14 Pope Clement VIII played an important role in popularizing the Forty Hours when he ordained in 1592 that the celebration would be conducted continuously through the churches of Rome.15 In other words, when one church of the city finished its devotion, another church began a new Forty Hours. The devotion would serve as the anchor for missionary projects Figure 2.2. The Duchy of Chablais prior to the Catholic mission of 1594. (Reproduced with permission from Jill Fehleison, Boundaries of Faith: Catholics around Geneva and provide an emotional spark to help attract its and Protestants in the Diocese of Geneva [Kirksville, Mo.: Truman State University inhabitants back to Catholicism. Press, 2010], 54.) Between September 1597 and October 1598, the Catholic clergy and laity in the duchy of Chablais celebrated Forty Hours Devotions on three separate occasions, once in the village of Long-Awaited Help Arrives Annemasse and twice in Thonon. The celebrations served as the Francis and Louis de Sales received long-awaited help for the culmination of three years of missionary work and produced mission in Chablais with the arrival in 1597 of several impressive results in the region. Chérubin pursued the planning and reinforcements who went to work immediately on a strategy for the staging of the devotions with zeal, managing to convince both the region. The small band included two Capuchins, Chérubin de bishop of Geneva, Claude de Granier, and the Duke of Savoy, Maurienne and Esprit de Beaume; a Jesuit, Jean Saunier; and the Charles-Emmanuel I, of the usefulness of such a celebration. Charles- curé of Annemasse, Jean Maniglier. The newly constituted group Auguste de Sales asserted that the Capuchin decided to hold an met with both de Sales in the Catholic village of Annemasse to oration of the Forty Hours “in order to wake up the ministers of 16 discuss their next course of action, addressing various concerns and Geneva.” Annemasse’s close proximity to Geneva made it an ideal strategies for the Catholic mission, including the possibility of place to celebrate the more flamboyant and dramatic elements of holding some sort of conference or debate with Protestant Catholicism literally within earshot of the Reformed leaders. Charles ministers.8 The three key measures the group agreed on were, first, of Geneva, a fellow Capuchin who recounted Chérubin’s exploits, that the Chevaliers of SS. Maurice and Lazarus and others must wrote that the missionary made a resolution to undertake the Forty relinquish revenues from the properties that they held in the region, Hours in Annemasse “to nourish the new converts and entice them making them available to support parish priests. Second, they in the preaching and divine sweetness of the exercises of the 17 should establish a College of Jesuits in Thonon using the revenue of Catholic religion.” The Forty Hours had the ability to attract the a priory that had been there previously. Finally, the taxes owed to attention of the willing and unwilling alike. the duke [of Savoy] by the inhabitants should be suspended because The missionaries had a great deal of preparation in front of relief from this financial burden would improve their standard of them to stage a Forty Hours in Annemasse. Père Chérubin (Figure living and make them more willing to listen to the preachers.9 The 2.4) acted as the main organizer of the event and set about planning 18 diocese consistently sought a combination of spiritual and economic a celebration “such that people had not seen for seventy years.” support for their reforms and conversion efforts. All of these They erected tents and stages, in part because the parish church in measures were reasonable steps for the mission project to take in Annemasse was in a state of disrepair, but also because outdoor order to reinstall Catholicism into the villages. Francis de Sales celebrations could reach a wider audience. An open-air arena had informed the papal nuncio for Savoy in September 1597 of the the added bonus of making an entire village a stage as processions results of the meeting, setting in motion the chain of events that ran along lavishly adorned streets. The missionaries wanted the would culminate in dramatic changes to the region.10 experience to be visually stunning, so they decorated the temporary structures and streets with tapestries, carpets, images, and greenery, 19 The Forty Hours Devotion as Anchor and Spark of the many of which were on loan from the duke. Decorations for such elaborate celebrations often had to be borrowed from the wealthy; Chablais Mission in Rome in 1608, prominent families, cardinals, and foreign Both the art and theater associated with Catholicism during embassies loaned out tapestries and other wall hangings for a Forty the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries took on new vibrancy and Hours Devotion.20 In Chablais, the ornamentation became ICSS NEWSLETTER 5

Figure 2.3. Claude de Granier, the fact that Theodore Beza, the most important Calvinist bishop of Geneva (1579-1602), theologian of the day and the spiritual leader of Geneva, had is not nearly as famous as his written a piece of theater on the same subject when he was a successor, Francis de Sales, yet professor in Lausanne might have been an added incentive.23 By he planted the seeds that his successors would continue to using well-known biblical imagery, the missionaries hoped to call nurture during their episcopates. on common past bonds of the community. De Granier implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent = (1545-63), introduced the Roman breviary, and initiated the practice of parish visitations. NOTES He sent de Sales to the Chablais 1. C.-A. de Sales, Histoire du Bien-Heureux François de Sales, 6th ed., 2 vols. (Paris: to reconvert the duchy to Librairie de Louis Vives, 1879). See Charles-Auguste’s description of his uncle’s Catholicism, and did all he could exploits in volume 1 of his biography, esp. books 1 through 4. Most scholars have to support this mission, e.g., dismissed his biography as hagiography, but it is an important early portrait of his working to get back the uncle. Charles-Auguste was very involved in the canonization process of his benefices of the Chevaliers of uncle, and Francis de Sales’s success as a missionary was crucial to his becoming SS. Maurice and Lazarus, a saint. Charles-Auguste was bishop of the diocese (1645-60), and had access to securing Duke Charles-Emmanuel I’s permission to have the Capuchins and Jesuits family and diocesan records. collaborate in the mission, and participating in all three Forty Hours devotions 2. F. de Sales to Senator Antoine Favre, beginning of October 1594, in Œuvres de celebrated in the Chablais. saint Francis de Sales, Édition complète, 26 vols. (Annecy: J. Niérat et al., 1892- 1967), 11:91, (hereafter Œuvres). Favre was one of de Sales’s greatest supporters in all his duties. 3. F. de Sales to Claude de Granier, end of October 1594, in Œuvres, 11:94-95. Figure 2.4. The Capuchin 4. Paul Martin, Trois cas de pluralisme confessionnel aux XVI et XVII siècles (Geneva: friar, Chérubin de Maurienne A. Jullien, 1961), 53-91. (1566-1610), was St. Francis 5. F. de Sales to Claude de Granier, from Thonon, April 1595, in Œuvres, 11:118-19. de Sales’s principal 6. F. de Sales to Antonio Possevino, from Thonon, beginning of April 1595, in Œuvres collaborator in the Chablais , 11:120-21. De Sales uses the word “Huguenot” in the letter. 7. F. de Sales to Senator Antoine Favre, 7 March 1595, in Œuvres, 11:115. mission. Chérubin joined 8. C.-A. de Sales, Histoire du Bien-Heureux François de Sales, 1:187. the mission in 1597, as 9. F. de Sales to Jules-César Riccardi, papal nuncio in Turin, 14 September 1597, in part of a small band of Œuvres, 11:309. reinforcements. He is 10. Ibid. credited as being the 11. Mark S. Weil, “The Devotion of the Forty Hours and Roman Baroque Illusions,” principal organizer of the Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes 31 (1974): 218-48, esp. 220. successful Forty Hours 12. Bernard Dompnier, “Un aspect de la dévotion eucharistique dans la France du e devotions in the Chablais. XVII siècle: Les prières des Quarante-heures,” Revue d’histoire de l’église de France (For another facet of 178 (Jan.-June 1981): 5-31, esp. 6. 13. Louis Châtellier, The Religion of the Poor: Rural Missions in Europe and the Chérubin’s role in the Formation of Modern Catholicism, c. 1500-1800, trans. Brian Pearce (New York: Chablais mission and its Cambridge University Press, 1997), 24; and Dompnier, 6-7. contrast with the “Salesian method,” see ICSS Newsletter, No. 18 [July 2006]: 2.) 14. Emile Vuarnet, “Découverte d’un livre de 1598 relatif à la célébration des Quarante-heures de Thonon,” Mémoires & documents publiés par l’Académie Chablaisienne 26 (1912-13): 1-62, esp. 22. increasingly lavish over the course of the three devotions, 15. Dompnier, 8. 16. C.-A. de Sales, Histoire du Bien-Heureux François de Sales, 1:187; and Charles of coinciding with the increased status of the participants. Genève, Les trophées sacrés ou Missions des Capucins en Savoie, dans L’Alin, la Theater was an effective way to expose all within earshot to Suisse romande et la vallée d’Aoste, à la fin du XVIe et au XVIIe siècle, ed., with a the broad messages of the missionaries. By centering the foreword, by Félix Tisserand (Lausanne: Société d’histoire de la Suisse romande, 1976), 86. Tisserand’s introduction recounts how the Capuchins assigned one of celebrations on public and oral events, the missionaries recognized their own, Charles of Geneva, to write about the mission in the Chablais to give the greater efficacy of live voices over the written word in a region proper credit to Chérubin. Charles of Geneva visited the convents of the where literacy was not particularly prevalent. Charles Mazouer, in province between 1644 and 1650 to collect evidence for his chronicle that he his 1982 article in Revue Savoisienne, deemed it “catechetical composed between 1651 and 1653. From the many depositions that Charles of Geneva collected, he composed an abridged Latin version in 1657, which 21 theater.” The missionaries returned to biblical stories that would another Capuchin translated into French in 1680. However, there is no evidence have been familiar to Catholic and Protestant alike, hoping that that either was published until the French version in 1867. It was only in the the stories would strike a chord in the audience. Charles of Geneva 1930s that the Capuchins returned to the unabridged version left by Père Charles and took steps to publish it. claimed that Chérubin planned the demonstration of mysteries, 17. Charles of Genève, Les trophées sacrés, 84. including the three kings in the stable of Bethlehem, while 18. Ibid., 216-17. Charles-Auguste de Sales wrote that there was a performance of the 19. C.-A. de Sales, Histoire du Bien-Heureux François de Sales, 1:188. Annemasse continued to be a Catholic parish even when other villages surrounding it sacrifice of with verses written by the two Louis de Sales, became part of the Reformed fold. 22 Francis de Sales’s cousin, a cathedral canon, and his brother. 20. Weil, 225. Perhaps Charles-Auguste wanted to highlight the role his family 21. Charles Mazouer, “Théâtre et mission pendant la conquête du Chablais, 1597- played in the devotions. Mazouer points out that both stories could 1598,” La Revue Savoisienne 122 (1982): 44-67. 22. Charles of Genève, Les trophées sacrés, 84; C.-A. de Sales, Histoire du Bien- be connected to Christ’s sacrifice and thus to the Eucharist. The Heureux François de Sales, 1:188. sacrifice of Abraham was a logical drama for the Forty Hours, but 23. Mazouer, 58-59. SALESIAN STUDIES WORLDWIDE

Pope Benedict XVI’s General Audience 2 March 2011 at: www.zenit.org. The full text in German is Address on St. Francis de Sales available at: www.osfs.eu/aktuell/benediktVXI_fvs_02-03- 2011.html. As part of his ongoing catechesis on the saints and doctors of the Church, Pope Benedict XVI devoted his General Audience address of 2 March 2011 to St. Francis de Sales. At The Cause of the Venerable Fr. Louis Brisson the outset, the Holy Father declared: “Dieu est le Dieu du cœur The cause for beatification of the Venerable Fr. Louis Brisson, humain [God is the God of the human heart] (Treatise on the Love OSFS, founder of the Oblates and Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de of God, I, XV): In these seemingly simple words we see the Sales, continues to progress. A panel of medical experts has essence of a great teacher’s spirituality, St. Francis de Sales, concluded that the healing of an Ecuadorian boy in 1953 cannot bishop and . . . .” Among other points, the be explained medically. On 7 June 2011, a panel of theologians Pope highlighted that the “profound crisis that drove [Francis from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints unanimously during his student days in Paris] to question his eternal salvation determined that this miraculous healing was obtained through the and God’s predestination in his respect” led him to find “peace sole intervention of Fr. Brission. The next step will be in the radical and liberating reality of the love of God,” which consideration of the matter by the Cardinals and Bishops of the thenceforth became the guiding vital principle of his life and Congregation. Let us all continue to pray with confidence for the later, his priestly and episcopal ministry. Likewise, the Pontiff beatification of Fr. Brisson. noted that “the influence of [Francis’s] life and of his teaching on the Europe of that time and of the following centuries was De Sales Oblate Formation immense,” singling out “the efficacy of [his] personal The link of the De Sales Oblate Formation website has been relationships and of charity” and his excelling at the “social tasks changed to: www.formation.desalesoblates.org. The information of mediation and reconciliation”; his “appeal to the laity . . . to for this website is kept current by Frs. Ken McKenna, OSFS, who consecrate temporal things and sanctify the everyday, on which until his recent election as Provincial of the Toledo-Detroit the Second Vatican Council and the spirituality of our time Province served as Director of Novices for the North American insist”; and his role as “an expert . . . on the human heart,” Provinces, and Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS, former Superior General adding: “Not for nothing, at the origin of many paths of and currently General Formation Coordinator. pedagogy and spirituality of our time we rediscover the stamp of this teacher, without whom there would be no St. John Bosco or the heroic ‘little way’ of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.” The Pope Chablais Mission Fund concluded: “St. Francis de Sales is an exemplary witness of Fr. Aldino Kiesel, OSFS, Superior General of the De Sales Christian humanism; with his accessible style, with words that at Oblates, has commended Fr. Thomas Vanek, OSFS, Provincial of times have the touch of poetry, he reminds us that man bears the German-Speaking Province, and his Council for the decision inscribed in his deepest self nostalgia for God and that only in to transfer all funds from the Province’s Mission Procurator Fund Him is found his true joy and most complete fulfillment.” For the to the Chablais Mission Fund. He noted that this decision complete text of this address in English, see the entry for demonstrates the love for the missions by the members of this ICSS NEWSLETTER 7

Province and is part of the overall commitment of the The Provincial Chapter, held in December 2010, voted to Congregation to strengthen the Chablais Fund. reinvigorate Salesian research and the work of the Oblates of the Province, which encompasses France and Bénin. The resolution Africa reads as follows: “The Provincial Chapter requests the establishment of a commission on Salesian research which is to BÉNIN consolidate the knowledge of its members and give impetus to new “Whoever wins the heart of a man wins over the whole man.” initiatives. This commission, among other things, will have the This saying of St. Francis de Sales was the motto for the St. Francis mandate to propose a permanent formation program and to enrich de Sales Marathon held in Parakou on 12 February 2011. This its research by being open to the work of the Salesian family.” The sporting event, which has now become a national event in Bénin, Provincial Council asked Fr. Leroux to serve as coordinator of this was started by Fr. Guillaume Kambounon, OSFS, and is supported commission, which held its first meeting on 22 May 2011. by the French Province and the Bénin De Sales Oblates. This The Province has set up a new website: www.osfs.fr. Its event linking sports and spirituality is grounded in the desire for a webmaster is Fr. Thierry Mollard, OSFS. This site focuses on the cultural, ethical, and religious intermingling that centers on two Oblates in France and Bénin, the history of the Oblates, and Salesian simple ideas: to emphasize a more positive view of the human spirituality and activities. It is very attractive and has up-to-date being, and to create a more amiable society. This year the winner information, as well as color photos of the members of the province. of the marathon, Patrice Lompo, participated in the Marathon of Organized by the Association RES (=Recherches et Études Lake Annecy in France, where he placed fourth. On 29 May 2011, Salésiennes; Salesian Research and Studies) and the Oblates and two De Sales Oblates, Frs. Koos Walters, OSFS, of South Africa, Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, the Journées salésiennes will and Guillaume Kambounon, OSFS, participated in the South take place 22-26 August 2011, in Troyes. The theme for this year’s Africa Ultimate Comrades Marathon of fifty-six miles, thus conference is “Evangelization for Today with St. Francis de Sales.” continuing an apostolate of presence in the world of sports. The Drawing on the insights of the writings and thought of Francis de website for the St. Francis de Sales Marathon is: www.marathon- Sales, the presenters and the participants will investigate the “new salesien.fr/. evangelization” and the “first evangelization” along the lines of the Apostolic Letter, Novo millennio ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Millenium) of Blessed Pope John Paul II. For additional Asia information and registration, contact: Motherhouse of the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, 4 rue des Terrasses, F-10000 Troyes, INDIA MISSION France. E-mail: [email protected]. The foundation stone for the India Mission’s dream project, Initiated over thirty years ago by Fr. William Gallahger, OSFS, De Sales Academy, was laid on 21 March, 2011 by Fr. Bernard accompanied Salesian retreats will be offered in Voiron and O’Connor, OSFS, President of De Sales University. Fr. Baiju Amiens, France; Fribourg, Switzerland; and Charleroi, Belgium. Puthussery, OSFS, Delegate Superior, welcomed the large number These retreats bring together several members of the Salesian of people who were in attendance, and Fr. Fred Smuda, OSFS, family (Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, Salesians of Don Bosco, gave the closing remarks. Color photos of this significant event De Sales Oblates, Priests of St. Francis de Sales, Visitandines, may be viewed on the Mission’s new website: Salesian Sisters of the Visitation, the Society of St. Francis de www.desalesoblatesindia.com. Sales), who meet twice a year for sharing, reading, and reflection. The periodical Annales salésiennes (Salesian Annals), published by the Association RES, resumed publication in 2010. The plan is to publish two issues a year. The first issue for 2011 is devoted in large part to the 400th anniversary of the Visitation Order, and also includes two conferences given at the 2010 Journées salésiennes: “Saint François de Sales et ses images” (St. Francis de Sales and His Images) by Dr. Josette Curtil, whose De Sales Academy doctoral thesis at the University of Grenoble focused on this subject; and “La charité apostolique de saint François de Sales lors de sa mission en Chablais” (The Apostolic Charity of St. Francis Europe de Sales during the Chablais Mission) by Dr. Blandine Delahaye, a FRANCE specialist on Bérulle and the French School. To subscribe to the Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, archbishop of Lyon, presided at Annales salésiennes, contact: Secrétariat de l’association RES, 252,s the solemn closing of the 400th anniversary of the foundation of route de l’église, F-74410 SAINT JORIOZ. Email: the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, on 12 December 2010. [email protected]. This marked the formal end of a jubilee enriched by many cultural and religious events in Francis de Sales’s homeland. Frs. Michel GERMAN-SPEAKING PROVINCE Tournade, OSFS, and Jean-Luc Leroux, OSFS, are still being asked (GERMANY--SWITZERLAND) to give conferences and talks relating to this anniversary to groups In December 2010, a new church dedicated to St. Francis de and pilgrims who come to Annecy. Sales was consecrated in Lichtenberg, near Linz on the Danube, 8 ICSS NEWSLETTER

Upper Austria, by the Most Rev. Ludwig Schwarz, SDB, bishop of On 23 January 2011, the De Sales Oblates celebrated the Linz. The Governor of Upper Austria, Dr. Josef Puehringer, was solemnity of St. Francis de Sales in the Salesianum Rosental, also in attendance. Lichtenberg is part of the parish Pöstlingberg, Eichstätt, Bavaria. The homily was delivered by Isidor where the De Sales Oblates have ministered since 1960. For more Vollnhals, Vicar General of the Diocese of Eichstätt. He information on the parish, see: www.pfarre-poestlingberg.at. emphasized the human kindness of St. Francis de Sales as a On 19 December 2010, Fr. Franz Wehrl, OSFS (1932-2010), model for all pastoral work. died. Fr. Wehrl devoted himself to intensive research on, and St. Francis de Sales was the focus of two events held on dissemination of, the life, teaching, and spirituality of St. Francis successive evenings at the Catholic University of Eichstätt, de Sales. From 1973 to 2010, he was General Assistant of the Bavaria: (1) on 24 January 2011, as the of journalists, Secular Institute of St. Francis de Sales, and from 1983 to 2008, at a meeting with journalists, at which Martin Zöller, Regional Assistant of the German Federation of the Sisters of the correspondent of the German Television Broadcast ARD in Rome, Visitation. Since 1996, he was the head of the Salesian Institute spoke on his work at the Vatican and what it is like to be “With with the Salesian Library in Salesianum Rosental in Eichstätt, the Pope on the Road”; (2) on 25 January 2011, on the Feast of Bavaria, and from 1996 to 2008, Chairman of the the Conversion of St. Paul, at a service at the Catholic Campus Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Salesianische Studien (Working Group for Ministry Center, Fr. Johannes Haas, OSFS, compared Paul and Salesian Studies). In connection with his research, he published Francis de Sales as mystics and missionaries. numerous books and articles—many in the Jahrbuch für For many years, many women and men have assisted the Salesianische Studien (Yearbook of Salesian Studies)—on Salesian De Sales Oblates in various ways: employees, cooperators, and and De Sales-Oblate history. His last book was published shortly friends, who, in their own way, keep alive the spirituality of St. before his death, and was noted in ICSS Newsletter, no. 26 Francis de Sales. The Provincial, Fr. Thomas Vanek, OSFS, and (December 2010): 19: Allen alles: Die Leidenschaft des eight other De Sales Oblates of the German-speaking Province Reformbischofs Franz von Sales für den anderen (For Everyone met with sixteen of these “associates” from Austria, Bavaria, and Everything: The Passion of the Reform Bishop Francis de Sales North Rhine-Westphalia to discuss even closer cooperation in the for the Other) (Eichstätt: Salesianisches Institut, 2010). future. This meeting took place at the Monastery of the Visitation Requiescat in pace. in Zangberg, Bavaria, 1-3 April 2011. Fr. Vanek stressed that this Fr. Herbert Winklehner, OSFS, a member of ICSS and its meeting was truly an “historic event” since it was the first time in webmaster, has succeeded Fr. Wehrl as head of the Salesian the province’s history that such a meeting had been held. Institute and the Salesian library in the Salesianum Rosental in Bro. Stefan Weig, OSFS, conducted Salesian retreats, entitled Eichstätt, Bavaria: www.salesianum-rosental.de/institut/. “Who Does Not Love Remains in Death,” in the parish of Markt From 14-15 January 2011, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Indersdorf near Munich, Bavaria, during Lent 2011. To present his Salesianische Studien (Working Group for Salesian Studies) met in insights, he used emblems from the book La vie symbolique du Salesianum Rosental in Eichstätt, Bavaria, for its annual meeting. bienheureux François de Sales, Evesque et Prince de Genève (The Life Among other things, Fr. Gottfried Prinz, OSFS, was honored for of St. Francis de Sales, Prince-Bishop of Geneva, in Symbols) by his work on the translation of the letters of St. Jane Frances de Adrien Gambart, together with notes for daily meditations and a Chantal (about 5000 pages), to which he has devoted himself for prayer or quotation from St. Francis de Sales. the past twelve years. Additionally, the book, Mit GOTT auf DU On Saturday, 7 May 2011, the world premiere of the musical, und DU mit Johanna Franziska von Chantal (Face to Face with God “The Baroness,” about St. Jane Frances de Chantal took place in and St. Jane de Chantal), which he edited, has been published. It Eichstätt, Bavaria. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a fantastic is a collection of quotations from St. Jane’s letters (see premiere. The music was composed by Andreas Kehr, professor of “Publications” below) and is available for purchase at: www.franz- music at the Catholic University of Eichstätt, while the text of the sales-verlag.de/agsal/. songs and the libretto were written by ICSS-member Fr. Herbert The enduring relevance of St. Francis de Sales as patron and Winklehner, OSFS, and Nicola Bamberger. Over 120 people from model for journalists was the focus of the first meeting of the Most ages 7 to 70 worked for months on this production, which was Rev. Aegidius Zsifkovics, bishop of Eisenstadt, Austria, with financially assisted by an ICSS grant. This hard work yielded great journalists on 24 January 2011. Bishop Zsifkovics noted that the results—all performances were sold out, so that more than 2,200 saint’s irenic style, his precise research, and public speaking ability people were able to see the story of Jane Frances de Chantal, contributed to his great credibility and his being role model as Francis de Sales, and the foundation of the Visitation. The media patron of journalists. He reminded the group that it was at the response was overwhelming. All—actors, musicians, and staff— express wish of journalists themselves that Pope Pius XI declared worked without financial compensation, with the musical’s net Francis de Sales their patron saint in 1923. The basis for this intake being donated to the Chablais Mission Fund. Photos, music declaration was principally Francis’s first major work, Meditations samples, reports, and information about the musical can be found on the Church or Controversies (the title by which this work is on the website www.musical-diebaronin.de usually known), which was originally a series of leaflets on the Mr. Christian Deppisch continues to work intensively on the major points of Catholic doctrine that Francis wrote in an digitization of the German edition of the works of Fr. Louis engaging and unpolemical style, possibly printed, and delivered by Brisson. To date, all retreats and speeches, and the chapters up to hand to those whom he could not reach by his preaching during 1879, are online at: www.louisbrisson.org. the Chablais mission. ICSS NEWSLETTER 9

ITALY Lewiston, N.Y.; Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota As noted above, Pope Benedict XVI’s General Audience Heights, Minn.; and Visitation Academy in St. Louis, Mo. address of 2 March 2011 focused on St. Francis de Sales. The conference’s theme is “God Desires YOU,” and the presenter, Fr. Eunan McDonnell, SDB. An Irish Salesian of Don NETHERLANDS PROVINCE Bosco, Fr. McDonnell is author of God Desires You (Columba A video about the life and times of St. Francis de Sales has Press, 2001; 2nd edition, De Sales Resource Center, 2008) and The been made by Jack de Groot, a lay member of the Salesian family Concept of Freedom in the Writings of St. Francis de Sales (Peter and one of the participants in the September 2010 pilgrimage to Lang, 2009). A scholar of St. Francis de Sales and Salesian Annecy and other Salesian sites. Previewed on 23 January 2011, at Spirituality, Fr. McDonnell is a captivating preacher, whose style the celebration for the solemnity of St. Francis de Sales, it was very of presentation offers a pastoral voice much like Francis himself. well received. Some changes suggested by the Salesian Spirituality In its 29th year, the conference will again bring together Study Group have been made. In the near future, copies of the Salesian friends, new and old, for a full day of prayerful video will be made available for members of the Salesian circles. presentations on traveling the spiritual journey with Francis de The Salesian Spirituality Study Group now numbers eight Sales, shared prayer and discussion, liturgy, a Salesian members and meets every six weeks to discuss the Salesian circles Marketplace, as well as a continental breakfast and lunch. A free and Salesian spirituality in general. This year the focus is on how will offering is requested. For further information and required pre- laypeople are connected with the Oblates and with one another. registration, go to www.desalesresource.org, or phone De Sales Another initiative of the group is public relations and marketing. Resources & Ministries at 1-800-782-2270. Three group members have agreed to undertake this public De Sales Resources & Ministries’ calendar is quickly filling up relations activity in order to make Salesianum, the center for for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 parish missions. With more than Salesian spirituality in Schijndel, better known. twenty missions offered last year, the team of ten preachers A new curriculum for Salesianum that offers courses, lectures, provides parish missions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Details supporting one other in the spiritual life, Bible study groups, and, and an opportunity to schedule a parish mission can be found at of course, reading texts of St. Francis de Sales has been developed. www.desalesresource.org , or phone 1-800-782-2270. In March, there were four evenings and three days in Lent focused on the spirituality of Henri Nouwen that were well attended and WILMINGTON-PHILADEPHIA PROVINCE received. Similar programs will be repeated in the future. The self-study survey undertaken by the De Sales Spirituality Center (DSC) revealed the desire to see additional cooperation in SOUTH AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN PROVINCE disseminating Salesian spirituality by DSC, De Sales Resources & The South American Province has been renamed the South Ministries (DR&M), and the Salesian Center for Faith and American and Caribbean Province. The reason for this change is Culture (SCF&C) at De Sales University, Center Valley, Pa. Such simple: to include the Province’s mission in Haiti in its name. This collaboration would enhance the overall effectiveness and decision was taken by the recent Provincial Chapter held in Santa efficiency of promoting the Salesian-Oblate charism. Specifically, Isabel, and was ratified by the Superior General and his Council. after reviewing the different dimensions of DSC and DR&M and At the same chapter, Fr. Alberto Benavides, OSFS, was their core competencies, there seems to be clear areas for elected Provincial on 28 January 2011, and the members of his consideration by DSC and DR&M to consolidate certain aspects Council were also elected: Frs. Leoclides Dala Nora, Lionel Gilles, of their operations. Discussions have already taken place on Wilfrido Mosquera, and Valdir Formentini. the ways in which the two entities could help each other The video on Youtube of Fr. Thomas Hagan, OSFS, “Hands achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness, especially by Together in Haiti: Schools in Cité Soleil,” shows the magnificent consolidating their websites. In July, DSC will morph into DSS work that he and his associates accomplished in establishing the since these services are located on the Internet, rather than at a only free schools in Haiti: www.youtube.com/watch? specific geographic location. The new website for DSS is: v=5j6XYmLYT4s. Tragically, most of these schools were destroyed www.oblates.org/dss. by the earthquake. The video likewise documents the horrifying Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS, SCF&C Director, developed a new squalor and poverty that the children of Haiti endure. program, the “Noontime Salesian Nuggets” series. This ongoing seminar offers various approaches to Salesian life. Given by De Sales Oblates on the campus of De Sales University, the talks have United States a “how to” format that models the practical, yet informative style of our patron saint. The four “Noontime Salesian Nuggets” given TOLEDO-DETROIT PROVINCE during the spring semester were as follows: Fr. Dailey, “How to The Joseph F. Power, OSFS, 29th Annual National Salesian Live A Simple Life”; Fr. Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, “How to Deal Conference, conducted under the auspices of De Sales Resources & with Anger”; Bro. Daniel Wisniewski, OSFS, “How to Develop Ministries, is scheduled for Saturday, 6 August 2011. The True Friendships”; and Bro. Joseph Schodowski, OSFS, “How to Conference will take place at Salesianum School, Wilmington, Do Ordinary Things Extraordinarily Well.” Del., and be simulcast to six other sites: Georgetown Visitation in In April, Fr. Dailey was interviewed on EWTN, the largest Washington, D.C.; Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio; Immaculate Catholic TV network in the world, on the show, ”EWTN Live,” Conception Church in Wilmington, N.C.; Stella Niagara in hosted by Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ. He spoke about St. Francis de 10 ICSS NEWSLETTER

Sales and the work and mission of the SCF&C, as well as fielded Laboratoire de Recherche Historique Rhône-Alpes, 2009). A questions from both the studio audience and those who called in collection of essays focusing on the inter-confessional relations in by phone from various parts of the United States. specific communities, mostly during the period between the Edict of Two De Sales Oblates recently received special awards. Nantes of 1598 and its revocation in 1685, when Protestantism was Fr. Thomas Curran, OSFS, President of Rockhurst University, a officially tolerated in many localities in France. Jesuit Institution, and founder of Nativity Prep in Wilmington, Lauro-Aimé Colliard, Dernières trouvailles de manuscripts de saint Del., received the Catholic University of America Alumni François de Sales (The Latest Discoveries of Manuscripts of Achievement Award. Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, was honored St. Francis de Sales) (Paris: Alain Baudry, 2008). This very brief with the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) work does not contain copies of the manuscripts, but only the Service Award at NRVC’s biennial convocation in Cleveland, author’s description and location of them, along with information Ohio, in recognition of his seven years of vocation ministry to the noted in other editions of the saint’s works. Oblates and the Church through his participation in various projects and publications promoting religious vocations De l’ombre à la lumière: Art et histoire à la Visitation 1610-2010. Actes throughout the United States. de colloque international “Art et histoire chez les visitandines. Quatre siècles de rayonnement—1610-2010,” organisé par la musée de la Publications Visitation à Moulins, les 22 et 23 octobre 2010 à l’occasion du 400e anniversaire de l’ordre (From Shadow to Light: Art and History at the BOOKS Visitation 1610-2010, Proceedings of the International Colloquium ENGLISH “Art and History among the Visitandines. Four Centuries of Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS, A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and Influence—1610-2010.” Organized by the Museum of the Visitation St. Francis de Sales (Wellesley, Ma.: Christus Publishing, 2011). in Moulins, 22-23 October 2010, on the Occasion of the 400th Anniversary of the Order), ed. Gérard Picaud et Jean Foisselon All By Love: New Vistas in Theological Spirituality, Festschrift in (Paris: Somogy éditions d’art/Moulins: Musée de la Visitation, Honour of Prof. Dr. Antony Mookentthottam, MSFS, ed. Jose 2011). A lavishly and profusely illustrated collection of the papers Maniparampil, OSFS, and Henry Jose, MSFS (Bangalore: Tejas presented at the colloquium in Moulins marking the fourth Vidya Peetha, 2011). Contains the following essays on Salesian centenary of the Visitation Order (see ICSS Newsletter, No. 26 spirituality: Jose Kumblolical, MSFS, “Dark Night of the Soul: A [December 2010]: 2). Twenty-two papers are divided into four Salesian Perspective”; Nihita Paul, SMMI, “A Missionary Priest topical sections: The Spirit and Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales; Chosen for the World”; and Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, “Sternness Foundations and Reestablishments; Politics and Society; and The of the Gentle Francis de Sales.” Artistic Sense at the Visitation. Like the Museum’s previous exquisite catalogues of its magnificent exhibitions, this volume A new resource available from De Sales Resources & Ministries is illustrates and enters into the public record numerous works of the booklet, Francis de Sales, in the “Great Saints Series,” published sacred art (paintings, sculpture, liturgical vessels and vestments, by the Catholic Truth Society of London. In fifty short pages, the embroidery, devotional objects, etc.) that otherwise would never be reader is introduced to Francis, his writings and spirituality. A great seen or be accessible to a wide audience. A “must have” for any starter book. US$3.00 each. serious Salesian or art library.

FRENCH Gilles Jeanguenin, Foi, espérance et charité. Les vertus théologales selon Saint François de Sales, Traité de l’amour de Dieu, mise en français saint François de Sales (Faith, Hope and Charity: The Theological contemporain (The Treatise on the Love of God in Contemporary Virtues According to St. Francis de Sales) (Paris: Éditions de French) par Didier-Marie Proton (Paris: Cerf, 2011). l’Emmanuel, 2011).

CD des Œuvres complètes de saint François de Sales de l’édition de la Hélène Michon, Saint François de Sales: Une nouvelle mystique Visitation d’Annecy. Edition numérisée, réalisée (digitized by) par le (St. Francis de Sales: A New Mysticism) (Paris: Cerf, 2008) Père Jean Gayet, OSFS. Available from l’Association R.E.S. Vincent Roger, De la beauté de la sainteté à la sainte beauté Henri Bremond, Sainte Chantal (1572-1641), préface de Didier- (From the Beauty of Holiness to Holy Beauty) (Université de La Marie Proton (Paris: Cerf, 2011). This book, a victim of the Sorbonne, École des gradués, 2008). An excerpt from the abstract of modernist crisis at the beginning of the twentieth century, was this doctoral thesis on Richard Crashaw’s theological aesthetics placed on the Index when it first appeared in 1912. It is a reads as follows: “The strong influence of Francis de Sales on masterpiece of religious biography that presents a surprising and Crashaw can be seen in his emphasis on sweetness in divine little-known portrait of Jane de Chantal. eloquence. The ‘Doctor of Divine Love’s’ affective theology also left La coexistence confessionnelle à l’épreuve: Études sur les relations entre its imprint on the poet’s universe.” protestants et catholiques dans la France moderne (Testing Confessional Coexistence: Studies on the Relations between Protestants and GERMAN Catholics in Modern France), ed. Didier Boisson and Yves Mit GOTT auf DU und DU mit Johanna Franziska von Chantal (Face Krumenacker, Chrétiens et Sociétés: Documents et Mémoires, No. to Face with God and St. Jane Frances de Chantal), ed. Gottfried 9 (Lyon: Équipe Religions, Sociétés et Acculturation [RESEA] du Prinz, OSFS (Eichstätt: Franz Sales Verlag, 2011). A collection of ICSS NEWSLETTER 11 texts from the letters of St. Jane Frances de Chantal about how a Mary’s Womb: St. Francis de Sales’s Meditation on the Biblical relationship with God gives life a greater depth, a heart-to-heart Mystery of the Visitation, 1610), in De l’ombre à la lumière: Art et relationship with Jesus Christ, and a fulfilled life, which draws power histoire à la Visitation 1610-2010 (see Books: French, above), 47-53. from the infinite source of God’s love. Thomas Dailey, OSFS, “Salesian Simplicity: A ‘Little Virtue’ That Youcat – Deutsch. Jugendkatechismus der Katholischen Kirche (Youcat - Goes a Long Way,” Review for Religious 70/2 (2011):118-31. German Edition: The Catechism of the for Teens) ed. Austrian Episcopal Conference, with the approval of the Klaus Leist, „Das Kreuz ist der Schlüssel zum ewigen Leben“ (The German and the Swiss Episcopal Conferences, (Munich: Pattloch Cross is the Key to Eternal Life), in Gottes Wort im Kirchenjahr. Verlag, 2011). In the German edition of this new Catechism for Liturgical Year A – Tome 2: Lent and Easter, 103-4. This Good Friday Teens, there are numerous quotes from St. Francis de Sales, which sermon quotes St. Francis de Sales and his view of the Cross. accompany and complement the official text. This is a clear sign that the reputation and influence of Francis de Sales has increased John Henry Newman, “Sermon on the Occasion of the Religious in the new millennium. Profession of the Visitandine, Mary Anne Bowden, daughter of his closest friend,” in Newman, the Oratorian: His Unpublished Oratorian Marlene Fritsch, Ich möchte keine Heilige sein. Teresa von Ávila - Papers, with introduction and notes by Placid Murray, OSB Wegweiserin für heute (I Do Not Want to Be a Saint. Teresa of Ávila: (Birmingham Oratory, 1980), 270-81. A Guide for Today), (Münsterschwarzach: Vier Türme Verlag, 2011). The title of this book is a little misleading, because actually it Plattig, “Grenzen achten und Grenzen überschreiten. offers a practical guide for becoming a saint in the everyday life of Herausforderungen in Geistlicher Begleitung” (Respecting Borders, today. The guide is the doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Ávila. Exceeding Borders. The Challenges of Spiritual Direction), in Marlene Fritsch understands very well how to use the saint’s 500- Meditation: Zeitschrift für christliche Spiritualität und Lebensgestaltung, year-old ideas for the modern world. This book helps the Salesian Vol. 1/2011. St. Francis de Sales is mentioned as a model of spiritual reader to understand why Francis de Sales was delighted by Teresa direction. and how his teachings were influenced by her writings. Forthcoming Sven-Joachim Haack, Das Gebet der Stille. Eine Hinführung zur Kontemplation (The Prayer of Silence. A Guide to Contemplation), The English translation of Françoise Bouchard, Le Père Louis (Lahr: Ernst Kaufmann Verlag, 2010). The book describes the way Brisson: Un Coeur qui bat à l’heure de Dieu (Fr. Louis Brisson: to contemplative prayer, while making clear that it can be followed A Heart That Beats in Rhythm) (Paris: Salvator, 2009), is to be by everyone, not just by those in a contemplative monastery. Thus, published by the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. This the author connects very well with the ideas of St. Francis de Sales, biography is very readable, contains up-to-date information on who was equally convinced that holiness is possible for everyone, Fr. Brisson, explains well the philosophy and pedagogy of Oblate anywhere. And indeed, in the chapter, “Finishing the War in Itself,” education, and provides a good explanation, among other things, of the doctor of the Church is quoted. the difficult relations of Fr. Brisson with Bishop Cortet.

Martin Leitgöb, Alfons von Liguori. Lehrer des Gebetes und der Barmherzigkeit (: Teacher of Prayer and The ICSS NEWSLETTER was founded in 1997 and is published Compassion) (Innsbruck: Tyrolia Verlag, 2011). St. Alphonsus biannually by the International Commission for Salesian Studies Liguori (1696-1787), bishop and doctor of the Church, founded (ICSS) of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (Joseph F. the Redemptorists. This book draws a very clear and engaging Chorpenning, OSFS, Chairman; Valdir Formentini, OSFS; Dirk spiritual portrait of Alphonsus that stresses that he was a great Koster, OSFS; Herbert Winklehner, OSFS). Its primary purpose is admirer of St. Francis de Sales. Many of Alphonsus’s teachings to disseminate on a global scale information dealing with Salesian were influenced by the bishop of Geneva, especially his doctrine of Studies (St. Francis de Sales; St. Jane Frances de Chantal; Fr. Louis God’s love and mercy. Brisson, founder of the De Sales Oblates and the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales; the Visitation of Holy Mary; Lay Institutes and other Religious who are members of the Salesian Family). SPANISH San Francisco de Sales, Obras selectas, I: Introducción a la vida devota, Editor: Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS (’s University Sermones escogidos, Conversaciones espirituales, 2nd edition, ed. Press, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395, USA; Eugenio Albuquerque Frutos, SDB (Madrid: Biblioteca de autores e-mail: [email protected]). cristianos, 2010). This new authoritative Spanish edition of the News Editor: Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS. News items for works of St. Francis de Sales based on the Annecy edition supplants future issues should be sent to Fr. Pocetto via e-mail the earlier 1953 edition of the Obras selectas. ([email protected]), fax (610/282-2059), or by mail (De Sales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034-9568, USA). Articles Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS, “Pélerinage avec le Rédempteur dans Proofreader: Bro. Daniel P. Wisniewski, OSFS Design and typesetting: Carol McLaughlin le sein de Marie: méditation de saint François de Sales sur le mystère biblique de la Visitation, 1610” (A Pilgrimage with the Redeemer in 12 ICSS NEWSLETTER

Book Reveiw

Boundaries of Faith: Catholics and Protestants in the Diocese of Geneva. By Jill Fehleison. [Early Modern Studies, vol. 5.] (Kirksville, Mo.: Truman State University Press, 2010. Pp. viii + 269. $48.00, hardcover. ISBN: 978-1-935503-11-8.) For information on ordering this book, see the publisher’s website: www.tsup.truman.edu.

Jill Fehleison’s Boundaries of Faith: seventeenth centuries, Francis de Sales and his fellow bishops Catholics and Protestants in the Diocese of succeeded in improving education, morals, and pastoral Geneva examines the efforts of three competence among the secular priests of the diocese. Concerning consecutive bishops of Geneva over the regular clergy, however, the bishops faced strong opposition. more than five decades—Claude de In her comprehensive examination of the religious orders in the Granier (1579-1602), Francis de Sales Diocese of Geneva, Fehleison demonstrates how fiercely monks (1602-22), and Jean-François de Sales resisted episcopal oversight and calls to change the lifestyles and (1622-35)—to promote reform in their liberties to which they had become accustomed. diocese in the wake of the Council of In the final major chapter of her study, Fehleison evaluates the Trent (1545-63). Based largely on the parish visitation records bishops’ reform of the laity. During visitations, Francis de Sales and written by the bishops themselves from roughly 1580 to 1640, his fellow bishops urged common men and women to avail Boundaries of Faith explores the challenges and complexity involved themselves of the sacraments, to lead moral lives, and to show in implementing Tridentine reform. Eloquently written, Fehleison’s proper reverence for Church property and religious worship. In the work offers a fascinating case-study in the victories and defeats that course of these efforts, Fehleison finds, it was not uncommon for the Catholic reformers faced, and illustrates the importance of local laity to articulate an understanding of the sacred that diverged from conditions in evaluating the influence of Trent in the early modern that of the reforming bishops. Despite disagreements, however, the period. After an initial discussion of recent scholarship on reform bishops and their flocks frequently found ways to accommodate and (Chapter 1) and a brief history of the Diocese of Geneva (Chapter 2), compromise. Although the bishops occasionally issued fines and the bulk of Fehleison’s study explores the reform work of the bishops reprimands, according to Fehleison, they rarely opted for harsh in two locations—the duchy of Chablais and the Pays de Gex—and punitive measures. among two groups—the clergy and laity. Although Boundaries of Faith deals more with the Diocese of In her discussion of the mission in the Chablais (Chapter 3), Geneva itself than with Francis de Sales, there is considerable Fehleison highlights the immense obstacles that confronted Francis information about the saint in this work. Throughout Fehleison’s de Sales, including shortage of funds, inconsistent support from the study, we see de Sales evincing the insight and gentleness for Duke of Savoy, and a population fearful that any sympathy shown for which he is widely known and admired. Fehleison demonstrates Catholicism might provoke a response from Geneva and Berne. that during his parish visitations the bishop was both demanding With the aid of additional missionaries in 1597 and the eventual and compassionate, showing great respect for the unique religious moral and political backing of Charles-Emmanuel, however, de Sales and communal traditions of villagers. De Sales also evinced was able to lead a widespread renewal of Catholic belief and practice. exceptional graciousness in his dealings with the monks of Of particular importance, Fehleison demonstrates, were the Talloires; although they had denied his authority, de Sales still processions, plays, and sermons of the Forty Hours celebrations, came to their defense when they were unjustly attacked by which resonated with much of the populace. political figures. At the same time, Boundaries of Faith does not Chapter 4 turns to the reform efforts of Francis de Sales and shrink from showing Francis de Sales in moments of harshness and his brother Jean-Francois in the Pays de Gex, a region which vulnerability. Fehleison shows us that the bishop did indeed remained part of the Diocese of Geneva although the 1601 Treaty endorse the use of political and economic pressure to win converts of Lyon placed it under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of France. in addition to more gentle methods. We also witness the Drawing on extensive visitation records and de Sales’s own considerable defeats and frustrations de Sales encountered in his correspondence, Fehleison convincingly shows that the hard-won reform work, especially in the Pays de Gex. In the end, Fehleison’s successes obtained for the Chablais simply did not materialize in depiction of Francis de Sales is a very human one that documents the Pays de Gex. In the wake of the Edict of Nantes in 1598, a deeply devout man fervent in the cause of reform, doing the best Henry IV valued stability above all, and therefore did not endorse he could within the social, political, and confessional contexts in vigorous reform and missionary activity in the region. Fehleison which he lived. For what it teaches about de Sales and post- also found that the Huguenots of the Pays de Gex were more Tridentine Catholicism, then, Boundaries of Faith is an excellent strongly attached to their Protestant faith and maintained closer work of scholarship that merits careful reading. ties with Geneva than those of the Chablais. For these and other reasons (including France’s ambivalence toward Trent), the Thomas A. Donlan bishops of Geneva saw little success in this particular region. In Chapter 5, Fehleison examines the efforts of the bishops of Thomas A. Donlan (B.A., in Psychology, University of Notre Dame; M.A., Geneva to reform the clergy in the diocese. During parish in Religious Studies, Yale University) is a Ph.D. candidate in European history visitations, they interviewed not only the local pastor but (History of Christianity), at the University of Arizona, where he is completing parishioners as well in order to evaluate clergy performance. a doctoral thesis on “The Reform of Zeal: François de Sales and Militant Fehleison finds that over the course of the late-sixteenth and Catholicism.” He is also a member of the Salesian Scholars Seminar.