Saint Jane Frances de Chantal: Founder of the Visitation Order and Patron of Widows

ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, born in 1572, was a French widow who founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary with Saint Francis de Sales. After her husband's death, she dedicated her life to spiritual growth, charity, and helping the poor. Known for her humility, prayerfulness, and guidance to others, she was canonized in 1920. Her order focused on contemplative prayer and service, particularly educating young girls and caring for the sick.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was born on January 23, 1572, in Dijon, France, into an aristocratic family. Her early life was marked by privilege, but it was her marriage to Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal, Baron of Châtel, that significantly shaped her spiritual journey. Together, they had four children, and their marriage was characterized by mutual love and respect. Tragically, in 1601, her husband was killed in a hunting accident, leaving Jane Frances a widow at the age of 29. This profound loss sent her into a period of deep mourning, but it also became a turning point in her spiritual life.

During this time of grief, she turned to her faith for comfort and sought to deepen her relationship with God. In 1604, she encountered Saint Francis de Sales, a bishop and spiritual director, who would become her close friend and spiritual guide. Through his counsel, she was encouraged to focus on God's love and embrace a life of prayer and devotion. Their friendship was pivotal, and Saint Francis de Sales helped Jane Frances develop a strong spiritual life rooted in humility, charity, and compassion for others.

In 1610, together with Saint Francis de Sales, Jane Frances founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, a religious community focused on contemplative prayer and active service to others. The Order's mission was to offer education to young women, help the poor, and care for the sick. This was a revolutionary idea at the time, as many religious communities for women focused only on contemplation, while the Visitation Order combined both active service and prayer.

The Order began with a small group of women and quickly spread to other areas of France, where it gained a reputation for its spirituality and works of charity. Under Jane Frances's leadership, the Visitation Order emphasized a life of simplicity, humility, and commitment to God’s love. Jane Frances’s spiritual writings, including letters of advice and spiritual direction, were widely respected, and many women sought her guidance in their own spiritual journeys.

Her spiritual practices were rooted in love and simplicity. She believed that true devotion to God was expressed not through external acts of grandeur, but through everyday acts of love, humility, and service to others. She was known for her deep sense of charity and kindness, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her letters, which were often addressed to nuns and laywomen, emphasized the importance of humility, simplicity, and trust in God.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal died on December 13, 1641, at the age of 69, after having led a life of prayer, service, and devotion. She was buried in the Visitation Convent in Annecy, France. Her legacy continued through the growth of the Visitation Order, which today has hundreds of monasteries and convents around the world.

In 1920, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was canonized by Pope Benedict XV. Her feast day is celebrated on December 12, the anniversary of her death. She is regarded as a patron saint of widows, mothers, and those dedicated to prayer and service to the poor.

Feast Day

12-12-1920

Birth Date

23-1-1572

Died Date

13-12-1641

Canonised Date

13-5-1920

Visitation Convent in Annecy, France

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, beloved mother, wife, and founder, you lived a life of deep faith and devotion, serving God with humility and love. Please intercede for me in my struggles, help me to grow in patience, kindness, and to trust in God’s plan for my life. May I follow your example of charity and live each day in peace and service. Through your prayers, may I grow closer to Christ and become a reflection of His love in the world. Amen.
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

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ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

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