Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret: Life, Mission, and Legacy

ST. JEANNE ANTIDE THOURET

Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret was a French nun and founder of the Sisters of Charity of Besançon. Born in 1765 in Sancey-le-Long, she dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, establishing schools and hospitals across Europe. During the French Revolution, she faced persecution but remained steadfast in her mission. She died in Naples in 1826 and was canonized in 1934.

Jeanne-Antide Thouret was born on November 27, 1765, in Sancey-le-Long, a small village in the Doubs region of France. She was the fifth child in a devout Christian family. At the age of 16, following the death of her mother, she assumed responsibility for her siblings and household, demonstrating early signs of leadership and compassion.

At 22, despite familial expectations for her to marry, Jeanne-Antide entered the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in Paris. There, she was deeply influenced by the teachings of Saint Vincent, adopting his mission to serve the poor and sick. She worked in various hospitals, embodying the charism of charity.

The French Revolution in 1789 led to the suppression of religious communities. In 1793, Jeanne-Antide returned to her family home. Undeterred, she continued her charitable work, caring for the sick and maintaining the faith in her community

In 1799, she founded the Sisters of Charity of Besançon, establishing schools and hospitals to serve the marginalized. Her community grew rapidly, attracting women who shared her vision. In 1810, she expanded her mission to Naples, Italy, where she took charge of the Hospital of the Incurables and continued her educational and charitable endeavors.

Despite facing opposition from some clergy in Besançon, Jeanne-Antide remained committed to her mission. She revised the community's Rule of Life, emphasizing service to the poor and fidelity to the Holy See.

She died on August 24, 1826, in Naples. Her canonization was confirmed by Pope Pius XI on January 14, 1934. Today, the Sisters of Charity of Besançon continue her work, with approximately 4,000 sisters serving in various countries.

Feast Day

23-5-

Birth Date

27-11-1765

Died Date

24-8-1826

Canonised Date

14-1-1934

Santa Maria Regina Coeli, Naples, Italy

O God, who called Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret to serve you in the poor and sick, grant that, by her intercession, we may follow her example of charity and devotion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST. JEANNE ANTIDE THOURET

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ST. JEANNE ANTIDE THOURET

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