Double Salesian Anniversary Statuary

In observance of the Double Salesian Anniversary of the Death of Francis DeSales and the birth
of Jane DeChantal, and to mark over 19 years of ministry by the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales
on the Outer Banks, carved statues of these our patron saints have arrived. We are waiting to
have them installed inside Holy Redeemer by The Sea Church. (Funding opportunities are
available for this major parish milestone by contacting the office.) To help everyone better
understand these carvings, here is some information we hope will be helpful:

St. Francis DeSales (1557 – 1622):

This statue is based on the only portrait painted of DeSales from life. He is depicted in a
turquoise cassock, the color of a “working” cassock of the times instead of the usual red. He
holds a copy of his most famous book, the “Introduction to the Devout Life”which offers
practical, real-life ways for people from all walks of life to live a spiritual or “devout” life. The
pectoral cross has no corpus of Jesus attached to it. Instead, DeSales hoped that all people
should “Live Jesus” so as to affix their own body to the cross. The Oblates also wear the same
cross.

Jane DeChantal (1572 – 1641):

This statue depicts DeChantal in the habit of the Sisters of the Visitation which she co-founded
with DeSales. Before becoming a nun, Dechantal was a widow and mother of six. She became a
close spiritual friend of DeSales and wears the same pectoral cross as DeSales. He was also her
spiritual director. DeSales hoped that she would have the name of Jesus“engraved on her heart.”
The statue shows DeChantal holding her heart on which is written “Jesus.” Her life demonstrated
that she had accomplished this hope.

Sunburst with “VJ”:

It means “Vive Jesu” or “Live Jesus.” It was a phrase used extensively by De-Sales and
DeChantal in their writings and is an excellent brief summary of their shared and lived
spirituality. Both of the statues’ hands point to the VJ; urging the viewer to let the life and love
of Christ be the reason for and summation of their lives

May our celebration of these two Saints help us to live in the present moment where God’s grace is always found.

The Church will be closed and all activities canceled if a LOCAL State of Emergency is declared by Dare County or the Town of Kitty Hawk that includes mandatory evacuations or restrictions or prohibitions on travel in Kitty Hawk. Never put yourself at risk of accident or physical harm to come to Church in dangerous conditions, even if a delay or emergency has not been announced. We have been assured by the Diocese of Raleigh that the Catholic faithful are not obligated to attend Mass when prevented by unsafe travel conditions.

Since our new inclement weather policy governing closures and cancellations will now be tied to County and Municipality States of Emergency, we urge all parishioners to sign up for County Alerts.