St. Jane of Valois

St. Jane of Valois, a French princess turned nun, founded the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is remembered for her humility, holiness, and dedication to the Virgin Mary.

St. Jane of Valois, also known as St. Joan of France, was born on April 23, 1464, in the royal Château de Nogent-le-Roi, France. She was the daughter of King Louis XI of France and Charlotte of Savoy, placing her firmly within the French royal line. From birth, Jane’s life was marked by difficulty. She was born with a physical deformity and suffered from poor health throughout her life. Despite this, she exhibited a gentle spirit, strong will, and deep faith from a very young age.

Her early years were shaped by her father's political ambitions. As part of a royal alliance, she was married at the age of twelve to Louis, Duke of Orléans, who would later become King Louis XII of France. The marriage was politically motivated and deeply unhappy. Louis never accepted Jane as his wife, and he tried to have the marriage annulled for many years. When he became king, he finally succeeded in annulling the marriage in 1498, citing her physical condition and the forced nature of their union. Jane accepted the annulment with humility and obedience, viewing it as God’s will.

Freed from the royal court and its intrigues, Jane was able to pursue the deep spiritual longing that had filled her heart for years. She retired to Bourges, where she dedicated herself to prayer, penance, and charitable works. It was here that she fulfilled a long-held vision: the foundation of a new religious order. Inspired by a lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary, and with spiritual direction from her confessor, Blessed Gabriel-Maria, Jane founded the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Annunciades, in 1501.

The Annunciade Order was unique in its mission, requiring its members to live according to the ten virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary: purity, prudence, humility, faith, praise, obedience, poverty, patience, charity, and compassion. Jane personally helped write the rule of life for the order, emphasizing contemplation, simplicity, and Marian devotion. Despite her frail health, she worked tirelessly to establish the community, lead her sisters, and live a life of austere holiness.

Jane died on February 4, 1505, in Bourges. She was mourned not only by the sisters of her order but also by the people of the region, who had come to admire her for her humility, compassion, and piety. She was beatified in 1742 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonized on May 28, 1950, by Pope Pius XII.

Today, St. Jane of Valois is remembered as a woman of great inner strength and spiritual depth who turned personal suffering and public rejection into an opportunity for divine service. Her order, the Annunciades, continues to serve the Church in various countries, and she remains a powerful example of Marian devotion, humility, and perseverance in faith.

Feast Day

4-2-1505

Birth Date

23-4-1464

Died Date

4-2-1505

Canonised Date

28-5-1950

Chapel of the Annonciade Monastery, Bourges, France

St. Jane of Valois, gentle daughter of royalty and servant of the Lord, teach us to bear life's burdens with grace and devotion. May we follow your path of humility and faith. Pray for us in our needs. Amen.
ST. JANE OF VALOIS

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ST. JANE OF VALOIS

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