Today's Saint (August 21): Jane Frances de Chantal (1572 - 1641)

Saints Home Page | BACK | NEXT

Saint Jane Chantal was born of a noble Burgundian family in France in 1572. As a wife, mother and later widow, the foundation of her life was always Christ.

Following the death of her husband Baron de Chantal in 1601, she consecrated her life to one of chastity, and under the guidance of Francis de Sales, she became a nun and founded the Order of the Visitation. Its emphasis was on allowing women of delicate health to be trained in the religious life, while not living in a monastery.

The initial convent at Annecy was devoted to caring for the ill and bereaved. In just thirty years over eighty-six convents were established.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." (The day's tract, page F 44, The People's Anglican Missal)

Catholic Encyclopedia article
The day's propers

Books Worth Considering
Hidden in God: Essays & Talks on St. Jane Frances De Chantal
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

www.episcopalnet.org