Aug. 18, 2011 Thursday: St. Jane Frances Chantal

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Jane was born in Dijon, France, in 1572. Her father, the president of the Burgundy parliament, was a devout man. He brought up his children well, after the death of his wife. Jane, whom he dearly loved, married Christopher, the baron de Chantal. Jane and Christopher loved each other very much. God blessed them with six children. Jane showed her love for God by loving her husband and children with her whole heart. Then suddenly, a great sorrow fell upon that happy home. Baron Christopher was accidentally shot by a friend on a hunting trip. When he died, Jane was heartbroken. She forgave the man who had caused his death and even became his child’s godmother.
St. Jane began to ask the Lord to send a holy priest into her life for guidance. In the meantime, she prayed and brought up her children in the love of God. She visited the poor and the sick and comforted the dying. When she met St. Francis de Sales, she knew this was the holy man God had sent to guide her. We celebrate his feast on January 24.

Following his plan, Jane and three other young women started the Order of the Visitation. But first, she made sure that her children, now grown, were settled. She had other responsibilities and challenges too. But Jane tried to follow God’s plan as she saw it, no matter how difficult. St. Jane was courageous in all the difficulties she faced. She opened up many convents and struggled as well with her own temptations. “Despite all her suffering,” wrote St. Vincent de Paul, “her face never lost its peaceful look. And she was always faithful to God. So I consider her one of the holiest souls I have ever met.”

St. Jane died on December 13, 1641. She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Clement XIII in 1767.

-From Daughters of St. Paul