St. Jane Frances de Chantal
1572-1641
📅 Feast Day: Dec 13
📖 Life Timeline
1572
Born in October 12, 1572 AD, Dijon, France
1572
Born Jeanne de Fontaine in 1572 at Dijon, Burgundy, France, to a noble family
1610
Co-founded the Visitation of Holy Mary order with St. Francis de Sales (Visitandines) in 1610 at Annecy, designed for women of all ages and health to live a con
1641
isdom in letters—over 4,000 survive
1641
Died — December 13, 1641 AD, Annecy, France
1751
Canonized — 1751 by Pope Benedict XIII
✝ Biography
Born Jeanne de Fontaine in 1572 at Dijon, Burgundy, France, to a noble family. Married Baron Jacques de Chantal at 15, had six children. Widowed at 34, she devoted herself to her children and the poor. At 43, she met St. Francis de Sales, who encouraged her to found a religious order. Together they established the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitandines) in 1610 at Annecy, designed for women of all ages and health to live a contemplative life without strict enclosure or austerity. Rule emphasized 'holy humility' and mutual support. Jane became the first superior general and governed the order for 27 years, founding 22 monasteries. Known for her wisdom in letters—over 4,000 survive. Died Dec 13, 1641 at age 69. Canonized in 1950 by Pius XII.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Widows, the Visitation Order, and those who find their calling later in life.
💬 Words of the Saint
God's greatest gift is to know His will.
📜 Key Facts
Born
October 12, 1572 AD, Dijon, France
Died
December 13, 1641 AD, Annecy, France
Feast Day
Dec 13
Canonized
1751 by Pope Benedict XIII
🕊 Legacy
Jane Frances proved that mid-life could be the beginning of one's greatest work. The Visitation Order she founded serves thousands worldwide. Her 3,000 letters are a treasure of spiritual direction.
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