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Document Details : Title: A Salesian Pentecost Subtitle: Thérèse of Lisieux, Léonie Aviat and Salesian Tradition Author(s): WRIGHT, Wendy M. Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 12 Date: 2002 Pages: 156-177 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.12.0.505318 Abstract : This essay explores the influence of the Salesian spiritual tradition (founded in the seventeenth century by Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal) in nineteenth century France through a close study of two contemporaries, Thérèse of Lisieux and Leonie Aviat. This influence was considerable. Francis de Sales emerged as the patron of a new generation of fervent Catholics bent on championing the church in an increasingly secular society. These Catholics saw Bishop de Sales as an exemplary apologist and missionary and salesian spirituality as a vital component of the allective pastoral theology then emerging in the church. Salesian influence is found clearly but indirectly in Thérèse of Lisieux, especially through her many contacts with the Order of the Visitation whose boarding schools trained a generation of devout Catholic women. It is seen directly in Leonie Aviat, foundress with Fr. Louis Brisson, of the Oblate Sisters of Francis de Sales. This foundation was one of many, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales, the Oblate Fathers, and the Daughters of Saint Francis de Sales, that sought to promote Salesian principals in their communities and apostolic works. |
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