Community Pilgrimage 2025

Join Visitation Academy on a pilgrimage to France from July 11-20, 2025!

Don’t miss your chance to walk in the footsteps of Saints Jane de Chantal, Francis de Sales, and Margaret Mary Alacoque. Led by Sister Mary Grace McCormack, VHM, David Colón (Head of School), and Dr. Amelia Blanton Hibner (Dean of Mission Integration), this once in a lifetime experience should not be missed!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Click here to register!

Registration closes on January 31, 2025 OR when capacity is reached.

A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due at registration.

Trip Information:

Dates:
July 11-20, 2025

Cost:
$2,900- $3,900

Final prices to be published in February 2025
(does not include airfare; price will adjust based on the number of participants; price varies based on shared or single room)

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"This is an amazing opportunity! No matter where you are on your faith journey, you will find yourself growing spiritually. Before going on this trip, I had an understanding of our charism and our history, but after this pilgrimage and interacting with the Visitation sisters, I feel a deeper understanding that resides in my heart, not just my head."
– Past Faculty Pilgrim

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Click Here for Tentative Itinerary
(subject to change)

“Blessed are the pliable hearts, for they shall never break.”
St. Francis de Sales

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"I love Viz even more than before our Pilgrimage. I loved learning about the origins of the school and feel honored to carry on the teachings of St. Jane and St. Francis."
– Past Faculty Pilgrim

FAQ's

List of 12 items.

Who is leading the trip?

You will be led by Sister Mary Grace McCormack, VHM, (Class of 1960) who has been on this pilgrimage 6 times, Mr. David Colón (Head of School) who has been three times, and Dr. Amelia Blanton Hibner (Dean of Mission Integration) who has been twice, and Anne Catherine Sert, a French native, and friend of the Visitation.
Who can come?

Any adult member (18 years old +) of the Visitation community is welcome to attend! This includes alumnae, parents, past parents, Board members, past Board members, and friends of the Visitation!
What is included in the price?
- Breakfast each day
- Dinner 6 of the 8 nights, with one glass of wine at dinner
- Bus transportation, including from Geneva Airport to Annecy
- All entry fees
- A custom prayer book and journal designed for the trip
What is not included in the price?
- Lunches each day
- Dinner 2 of the 8 nights (recommendations for restaurants will be provided)
- Tipping bus driver and guide (recommended $12 per day, a total of $108)
- Additional alcohol during dinner meals
- Airfare
- Meals while travelling to and from Europe
- Travel Insurance
Airfare isn’t included. Is there someone who can help book my flights?

Yes, our travel agency is happy to help you book your flights.
I don’t speak French. Is that okay?

Yes! All guiding and talks will be done in English, or translated from French to English by Anne Catherine Sert. Mass on Sunday, July 12 will be done in French, but printed translation will be provided.
Will I have the opportunity to go to Mass or Confession?

Yes, Fr. Dominic Lenk, OSB, will accompany us and offer Mass each day. Individuals can arrange confession with Fr. Lenk while on the trip.
How will we be transported across France?

We will travel in a passenger coach van with wifi, outlets, and a small bathroom.
How long will the drive times be?

Drives in the bus range from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
How much will I have to walk?

On average, we will walk 10,000-12,000 steps a day on cobblestone streets. It is important to note that many spaces we will visit have stairs, some with limited accessible options.
What is the weather and elevation like?

The weather in France in July averages between 80 degrees farenheight to 60 degrees farenheight.

The elevation of Annecy is at 1,470 feet (St. Louis is 466 feet in comparison).
I have other questions. Who should I contact?

Dr. Amelia Blanton Hibner, Dean of Mission Integration, ablantonhibner@vizstl.org or 314-625-9292

3020 N. Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131 314-625-9100

Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.