Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641,) born Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot, was a French Catholic noblewoman, widow, and nun, best known for founding the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary and her spiritual collaboration with Saint Francis de Sales.
Born in Dijon, France, she was the daughter of Bénigne Frémyot, president of the Parliament of Burgundy. She married Baron Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal (1592,) managing his estates and engaging in charity. After his death (1601,) she took a vow of chastity and devoted herself to religious life.
In 1604, she met Saint Francis de Sales, who became her mentor. Together, they founded the Visitation Order (1610,) welcoming women rejected by other religious orders due to age or health. The order emphasized humility, meekness, and service, contrasting with strict convent asceticism.
Her writings include letters and reflections, compiled posthumously in Letters of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1875.) Canonized by Pope Clement XIII (1767,) her feast day is August 12. Hermenegild’s Selected Letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1917) collects her spiritual correspondence.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Jane Frances de Chantal
Follow your own way of speaking to our Lord sincerely, lovingly, confidently, and simply, as your heart dictates.
—Jane Frances de Chantal
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