St. Jane Frances de Chantal: The Foundress of the Visitation Order

•Religious 
•Feast day: December 12 
•1572-1641 

St. Jane Frances de Chantal, a remarkable woman of faith and resilience, left an indelible mark on the Church as the foundress of the Visitation Order. Born into privilege and enduring personal loss, she transformed her life into a testament of trust in God, devotion to charity, and spiritual strength. Her journey, marked by love, sacrifice, and determination, continues to inspire believers worldwide.

Early Life and Marriage

Jane Frances de Chantal was born on January 28, 1572, in Dijon, France, into the affluent Frémyot family. Her father, Benigne Frémyot, served as the president of the Parliament of Burgundy, providing her with a life of comfort and education. She displayed an early inclination toward prayer and charity, setting a foundation for her future sanctity.

At the age of 20, Jane married Christophe de Rabutin, Baron de Chantal, an officer in the French army. The couple’s marriage was a harmonious one, blessed with six children, though three died in infancy. Jane managed their estate with efficiency and compassion, extending her care to the poor and instilling Christian values in her household. Tragedy struck in 1601 when Christophe was accidentally killed during a hunting accident, leaving Jane widowed at just 29 years old.

Spiritual Transformation

Following her husband’s death, Jane faced immense grief but found solace in her unwavering faith. She moved to her father’s home in Dijon, dedicating herself to her children’s upbringing. In 1604, her life took a transformative turn when she heard the sermons of St. Francis de Sales, the Bishop of Geneva. His words profoundly moved her, and he became her spiritual director and close friend.

Under St. Francis’ guidance, Jane grew in her spiritual journey, embracing a life of prayer, humility, and service. Inspired by his teachings, she began to discern a call to religious life, despite opposition from her family and societal expectations.

Founding the Visitation Order

In 1610, after ensuring her children’s welfare, Jane responded to God’s call and left her home to join St. Francis de Sales in Annecy. The emotional departure was marked by her son’s dramatic attempt to dissuade her by blocking her path, but Jane courageously stepped over him and sought her father’s blessing before departing.

Together with St. Francis de Sales, Jane founded the Congregation of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The order was distinctive for its openness to women who could not endure the rigors of other religious orders due to age or health. The Visitation Sisters focused on prayer, humility, and works of charity, welcoming those who sought a deeper relationship with God.

Jane guided the congregation with wisdom and love, emphasizing a spirituality centered on the “martyrdom of love.” She often reminded her sisters: “My dear daughters, aside from the martyrdom of blood, there is the martyrdom of love: this will last from the moment we commit ourselves unreservedly to God until our last breath.”

Legacy and Canonization

Under Jane’s leadership, the Visitation Order flourished, establishing over 80 convents across Europe by the time of her death. She remained a source of strength and inspiration for her sisters, embodying the virtues of humility, patience, and unwavering trust in God’s providence.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal passed away on December 13, 1641, in Moulins, France. She was buried in Annecy alongside St. Francis de Sales, symbolizing their deep spiritual partnership. Pope Benedict XIV beatified her in 1751, and she was canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767. Her feast day is celebrated on August 12 (previously December 12).

Interesting Trivia and Quotes

• Her Devotion to Forgiveness: After her husband’s death, Jane showed extraordinary forgiveness by inviting the man who accidentally shot him to her home and ensuring he was cared for.
• St. Vincent de Paul’s Praise: St. Vincent de Paul, who greatly admired Jane, described her as having “a rare and sublime spirit” and considered her a model of Christian virtue.
• The “Little Virtues”: St. Francis de Sales taught Jane and her sisters to practice the “little virtues,” such as gentleness, humility, and patience, which became hallmarks of the Visitation Order.
• Martyrdom of Love: Jane’s teaching on the “martyrdom of love” remains a strong reflection on the daily sacrifices involved in living a life devoted to God.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal’s life is a testament to the power of grace, resilience, and love. Her unwavering faith and dedication to God’s will transformed personal tragedy into a legacy of holiness and service. Today, her story continues to inspire countless people to embrace their own calling with courage and trust in divine providence.