St. Jane Frances de Chantal

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was born on January 28, 1572, in Dijon, France, into a noble family. Her early life was marked by both privilege and deep faith. At the age of 20, she married Christopher de Chantal, and together they had six children. Her life as a wife and mother was filled with devotion and love for her family.

Tragedy struck in 1601 when her husband was killed in a hunting accident. Devastated by his death, Jane turned to God for solace. Her profound grief led her to seek a deeper spiritual life. After a period of mourning, she encountered St. Francis de Sales, who would become her spiritual director and guide.

In 1610, Jane and Francis founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, commonly known as the Visitation Sisters. This religious order was designed to support women who could not engage in the more rigorous forms of religious life due to age or health. The Visitation Sisters emphasized humility, simplicity, and loving service, and they focused on both active and contemplative aspects of religious life.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was known for her deep spirituality, practical wisdom, and commitment to her community. She led her sisters with kindness and understanding, helping to establish numerous convents and ensuring the growth of the Order. She passed away on December 13, 1641, and was canonized in 1767. Her legacy continues through the Visitation Sisters and her writings on spiritual life.

Practical Lessons:

• Lesson 1: Finding Strength in Adversity: St. Jane Frances de Chantal’s response to the loss of her husband shows how deep personal grief can lead to spiritual growth. Her ability to find solace in God and transform her suffering into a foundation for new beginnings encourages us to seek strength in our own struggles and to find purpose in times of difficulty.
• Lesson 2: Embracing Simplicity and Service: Jane’s founding of the Visitation Sisters highlights the value of simplicity and service. Her focus on creating a community that welcomed those unable to enter other forms of religious life reminds us to serve with humility and to make space for all who seek to live a life of faith and service.

Prayer to St. Jane Frances de Chantal:

O God, who inspired St. Jane Frances de Chantal to found the Order of the Visitation and to live a life of deep devotion and service, grant that we may follow her example of humility and love. Through her intercession, help us to embrace simplicity in our own lives and to serve others with compassion and grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Other Saints We Remember Today

• St. Agapitus (3rd century), 15-year-old Martyr
• St. Helena (326), Widow, Empress, mother of Constantine, finder of the True Cross, Patroness of Converts and Difficult Marriages

image: Michael Fuchs, Foto: Osfs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons