The Basics: Born January 28, 1572, in France; died December 13, 1641, in France; canonized July 16, 1767, by Pope Clement XIII; feast day, August 12. Mother, wife, and woman religious.
The Story: She was attractive, intelligent, and fun to be around. But Jane’s life came crashing down around her at age twenty-eight 
when her husband of seven years died in a hunting accident, leaving her with four children. The transition was made even more difficult by her father-in-law’s insistence that she and the children live in his house. Three years later, Jane met St. Francis de Sales, which changed her life again. He became her spiritual adviser and together, they founded the Sisters of the Visitation, an order that was open to older women and those with health issues that other orders rejected.
St. Jane’s Wisdom: “Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.”
What We Can Learn: In times of tragedy and sadness, God provides balm, sometimes in the form of a brother or sister in Christ. Consider who has been placed in your life to assist with a hurt you’ve been nursing.
To Learn More About St. Jane Frances de Chantal: Visit the Museum of the Visitation’s Web site, or check out Visitation Spirit, which has more information about St. Jane Frances de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
