Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis

Compiled By Elizabeth Eilers Sullivan, Visitation Alumna ‘93, The Alumna of 2010, & the Visitation Sisters of North Minneapolis

As Sister Karen returns from Salesian Leadership Camp, and Sister Katherine works with the neighbors on Salesian leadership, the Visitation Class of 2010 graduates steeped in Salesian leadership. As a tribute to the whole of the Visitation–monasteries, schools, alumna, companions, and friends on the journey, we take time to hear the voices of these young Salesian leaders. Their reflections stem from the sacred time they spent with the Sisters and the neighbors of North Minneapolis as they completed their senior year this spring. We invite you to read their reflections. We also invite you to respond with how Salesian Spirituality informs the way you lead.

Maddy DeMeules, Vis Graduate Class of 2010 & Sr Mary Virginia from Opening Services

To all the Sisters:

Love, Maddy

Living Visitation by Maddy De Meules

“Over the last two weeks working with the Visitation Sisters and their community in North Minneapolis, the overarching theme of my learning experience has been discovering new ways to understand what the Visitation is and different ways I can live a Holy life beyond our Visitation School community.  These lessons have come in many different ways and from many different people.  Furthermore, our time spent in service in North Minneapolis helped me to be able to learn more about this community.  I think this part was very important because I live in Minneapolis, and spending time in this neighborhood put real faces and stories on all of the generalizations I have heard growing up.  I think the two groups of people that taught me both of these lessons really well were the Speakers and the Sisters.  Both of these groups of people are residents of the North Minneapolis community, and both groups of people showed me how to live a life that focuses on the importance of God’s call to live in companionship with and love for our neighbor.  The lessons and experiences that I have gained from this service project could not have come at a better time.  First, with graduation soon approaching, these lessons have shown me how Visitation can still be a part of my life even when school is over and I am no longer a student at Visitation.  In addition, my lessons and experiences will ground me with a new view of reality and my faith as I start my new experience of attending college this fall.  The final lesson I will take from this service opportunity is that I learned to see God and His work in new ways, even in seemingly simple or trivial parts of life.  I hope to carry this with me and always hold Visitation close to my heart.”

A Senior Year Reflection on Service in North Minneapolis by Colleen Mulligan

“No one is turned away from the Sisters door, whether they want to stop in for some lunch or to talk to one of the Sisters about their problems…. No one is rejected, and everyone is welcomed in with respect and kindness. I had no idea what to expect from

Colleen Mulligan, Visitation Graduate of 2010

my time in North Minneapolis when I first started working at the Girard House, but I was pleasantly surprised by the lifestyle which the Sisters lead. Their house is truly a safe house for any member of the Northside community to stop in no matter what their problem is. Seeing the way the different speakers praised the Sisters and their work was inspiring. The Sisters truly blend in with the community and serve their role as a “prayerful presence” in the community.

As we celebrate the freedoms of our country this holiday weekend, may we also celebrate the true freedoms that come from love and service to one another, and may the interconnectedness that comes from Salesian Leadership inspire each of us. Join me as we congratulate the Visitation Class of 2010, and the Sisters, their families and their community that journeyed with each of them! May their Salesian Spirituality guide their next ventures.