Welcoming our Salesian friends

Last Saturday, January 31st, we had the great joy of welcoming to the castle a group of Salesians from Lyon and, for some, from Italy. Their visit coincided with the Feast of Saint Francis, an occasion chosen by members of the Mother of Good Counsel Institute of Lyon to make a pilgrimage to the lands marked by the presence and history of Saint Francis.

The day began with a stop at the church in Thorens, where our guests admired this magnificent building while recalling significant moments in François' life connected to this place. Following this visit, we welcomed them to the castle.

It was a time of sharing marked by simple exchanges, nourished by the sense of pilgrimage and the richness of family and historical heritage in the heart of a particularly soothing natural environment. 

Among our visitors, Father Madi Charbel emphasized how this pilgrimage, even if experienced in just one day, held particular significance in light of the spiritual history associated with these places. Everyone agreed that praying together here took on a unique power. Many were also delighted to see the family still present, faithful guardians of this historical and spiritual heritage passed down through generations.

The late morning was already beckoning us to part ways, as the priest had to go to Épagny to celebrate Mass. But a promise was made: at our next meeting, the celebration would take place in the chapel.