Our projects
To spread the thought of St Francis de Sales throughout the world, we wish to use hybrid means.
The path
In the footsteps of Saint Francis
This 65km route will run from Allinges (Chablais 74) to Thorens Castle (Haute Savoie 74) and will connect the key sites of St Francis' mission.
The creation of this route, like the Camino de Santiago, involves a multi-stage process that has already begun with:
- Conduct a survey among a diverse target group of people to assess the reception of this management
- Historical and geographical research to validate the route
- Conduct topographic surveys
Upcoming missions:
- Strengthen the team in charge of this project
- Identify existing paths, their nature and their classification
- List the iconic monuments, the sites to visit and their accessibility
- List the project's stakeholders and partners, so they can be contacted later
Through fields, forests and villages, let yourself be guided in complete safety.
Objective: to reconnect with oneself in the spirit of gentleness of the Saint and to be close to nature, so inspiring and so dear to Francis. Discover the iconic monuments of his Savoyard journey.
La Chapelle
The place of reflection
This chapel, dating from 1672 and listed as a historical monument in 1982, is the family necropolis. The planned work includes:
- The consolidation of the building's structure,
- Foundation protection through a new drainage system
- The restoration of the Baroque altarpiece dated 1677
Goal : Preserving a highly valued heritage symbolic for all Salesians since it was here that Francis was born and to continue to offer this place of pilgrimage for centuries to come.
The Museum Center
The lands of Saint Francis
This building will be erected on the family estate in Thorens. It will allow visitors from all backgrounds, philosophical, spiritual and geographical, to discover a heritage rich in meaning and directly connected to our time.
It will be dedicated to:
- St. Francis de Sales: his story, his writings, his personal belongings
- St. Jeanne de Chantal and the Order of the Visitation: history and heritage
- Savoy: its history related to the history of the de Sales family
Goal : Create an immersive experience by showcasing the spiritual heritage of Francis de Sales as well as his personal effects.
*Image for illustrative purposes only
The Conference Center
Spread the word
The necessary rooms will be set up in the existing riding arena. This group of buildings is ideally located next to the museum and the family castle. It is designed as a place for living and sharing.
- Organization of conferences and meetings combining the thought of Saint Francis de Sales with psychology, sociology, management and the humanities.
- Salesians' Welcome and for all those who wish to open themselves to Salesian thought. After the immersion in the museum, this place will allow everyone to go further in their understanding of the humanist values of St. Francis, and to give a little more concrete form to their commitment.
Modular rooms equipped with modern technologies, accommodation, living spaces and walks will be at the service of meetings and conversations.
Goal : To offer an iconic, calming and inspiring setting, conducive to intercultural dialogues. It is the physical meeting point where Salesian thought comes back to life and shines through its current relevance.
These two large-scale projects are in the administrative authorization phase.
*Image for illustrative purposes only
The Publishing House
To disseminate one's writings
The Foundation has multiple objectives. They first concern the original works of Saint Francis de Sales.
- Make sure they are all available
- Propose the reissue of works missing or forgotten
- Publish unpublished works
To a greater extent, our action is oriented towards literature dedicated to St. Francis.
- Accept the translations existing works of St. Francis
- Inventory and approve existing works which deal with St. Francis: his life, his thoughts
- We create special collection “Salesian Heritage Foundation”
- Provide translation in multiple languages and worldwide distribution
- Participate to the marketing of the whole
