The Visitation Statue and Prayer

When driving onto campus this morning, I locked my eyes longer than usual on the beautiful bronze statue of the Visitation, located in the Portress circle. While this statue has been in place less than a year, it seems as though it has always been there. It is the perfect welcome to those who arrive at Visitation. After all, one of the Salesian virtues so beautifully embraced by the Sisters is cheerful hospitality. When one views the statue, the roots of that virtue are easily observed.

Mary and Elizabeth lean toward each other in greeting, both with child, both anticipating the new lives to come. The Visitation School Prayer places this moment in a most wonderful context:

Loving God, we celebrate the way you inspired Mary to carry the new life of Christ to her cousin, Elizabeth. We also carry Christ in our hearts, and we celebrate the great things you do for us.

Guide all of us at Visitation to respect and appreciate ourselves and others. As we gather, help us to work for the good of the school and all creation. In the gentle spirit of St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales, teach us to love you by serving and supporting one another.

Bless and protect each of us, our families, those we love, and all who are in need of our prayers.

Amen.

Offering this prayer as the calendar turns to 2009 seems especially timely.