Wisdom from St. Jane de Chantal

Because my middle name is Jane, I chose August 12 to be my “name day,” for it is the memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal. This saint had an unusual life; at age 20 she married Baron de Chantal and they lived in the feudal castle of Bourbilly, which was on the brink of ruin. A gifted manager, Jane restored order in the household  and returned it to prosperity. She had six children, two of whom died in infancy, and she was widowed at age 28, when her husband was killed in an accident.

To safeguard her children’s inheritance after her husband’s death, Jane had to move to the home of her ill-tempered father-in-law and his servant, who ruled the roost. As the Catholic Encyclopedia remarks, “This was real servitude, which she bore patiently and gently for seven years. At last her virtue triumphed over the ill will of the old man and housekeeper.” In 1604 Jane met Francis de Sales, who became her spiritual advisor. With his assistance, she founded the Congregation of the Visitation, which welcomed women whom other orders rejected because of their age or health problems. By the time she died, the Congregation had 86 houses, and there were 164 houses when she was canonized in 1767.

Jane entrusted the education and care of her 14-year-old son to her father and brother before she left for Annecy to found her Congregation. The story goes that her son tried to prevent her from leaving by lying across the threshold of their home. She stopped briefly, overcome with sorrow, but then stepped over him and proceeded on her journey.

St. Jane de Chantal’s story is instructive on a number of counts. She shows that we can start new chapters when tragedy or other circumstances prevent our lives from unfolding according to our plans. Although we may have to bear with disagreeable people at various times, St. Jane teaches that we can still maintain peace of mind and a kind and gentle spirit. When we hear a call to a particular vocation, some people may try to keep us from responding because it will mean a change for their lives as well, but St. Jane demonstrates that we must be true to our calling. Finally, St. Jane's ministry as founder of a new congregation shows that when we reach out to bring excluded people into God’s kingdom, our efforts will be blessed. St. Jane de Chantal, pray for us!