Nancy J. Bowden – “Unwrapping the gifts: Francis de Sales, Jane de Chantal and the salesian vision of women” in “Journal of Salesian studies”

This article furthers the theme of collaboration between women and men, showing this as central to Salesian history and spirit. Dr. Nancy J. Bowden brings us back to Francis de Sales and Jane-Frances de Chantal in the founding of the Visitation-the first Salesian community.

Unwrapping the Gifts: Francis de Sales, Jane de Chantal and the Salesian Vision of Women opens a discussion on the empowerment of women, of spiritual direction, of leadership in Christian community through the experience of the first “Salesians” in Annecy at the beginning of the 17th Century. We see both Francis and Jane as growing in their understanding, and as models for future growth.

Contents:

• Historical perspective
• François de Sales and Women
• Jeanne de Chantal as Model
• The Vision of the Visitation
• Conclusion

Reference time period: 1700

Reference institution:
Institute of Salesian Studies