17th July. This basilica was constructed between 1922 and 1949 in thanksgiving for two saints of Annecy St. François de Sales and St. Jeanne de Chantal whose remains have been transported and laid to rest here. Its tall spire soars into the sky and dominates the Savoyard landscape. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking Annecy.
Francois de Sales – bottom picture on right – is the most famous of the Geneva bishops who were exiled during the years of the Reformation. He devoted his life to gentle but persuasive preaching of a virtuous Catholic life. In 1610 he established the charitable Order of the Visitation at Annecy with Jeanne de Chantal.. He was buried in Annecy, canonised in 1665, and proclaimed patron saint of writers and journalists in 1923, when the Basilica of the Visitation was being built above town.
Thank you so much for looking and for your lovely comments on yesterday's picture
Beautiful church. It looks like where they have built it really accentuates its height. And the stone stands out so well against the blue sky. Interesting history too. Nice collage.
Thanks for all the info to go along with the photos.