Jane Frances de Chantal: Patroness of the Forgotten, Widows, and separated Parents

Jane Frances de Chantal was a French Catholic widow and nun who left a profound legacy as the founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.

This unique congregation was distinct in its compassionate acceptance of women who were often rejected by other religious orders due to poor health or advanced age.

Unlike the strictly ascetic and cloistered communities of the time, Jane Frances’ order provided a sanctuary for those who were marginalized, emphasizing love and care over rigid discipline.

Born on January 28, 1572, in Dijon, France, Jane Frances was the daughter of Bénigne Frémyot, the president of the Parliament of Burgundy, and Margaret de Berbisey.

Tragically, she lost her mother at the tender age of 18 months, leaving her father responsible for her upbringing and education. Despite the early loss, Jane grew into a refined and attractive young woman, admired for her grace and intelligence.

At the age of 20, she married Baron de Chantal and moved to the Castle of Bourbilly. Their life together was marked by both joy and sorrow; while their first two children died shortly after birth, they were blessed with four more children—three daughters and a son.

Jane became known not only for her adept management of the family estates but also for her generous charity work among her less fortunate neighbors.

However, her life took a devastating turn when her husband died in a hunting accident, leaving her a widow at just 28 years old. Overcome with grief, Jane took a vow of chastity and, at her father’s request, moved back to Dijon with her children while also caring for her father-in-law in Monthelon.

In 1604, Jane's life changed again when she met Francis de Sales, the bishop of Geneva, during his Lenten sermons at the Sainte Chapelle. Their spiritual connection deepened, and de Sales became her spiritual director, a relationship Jane had long prayed for.

Together with Marie Favre and Charlotte de Bréchard, they founded the Congregation of the Visitation, which was officially established on Trinity Sunday. The order's spirituality was rooted in aligning one’s will with the Divine and glorifying God in all actions.

Jane’s sanctity and exceptional management attracted the support of many aristocratic women, leading to significant donations. However, due to continued opposition to active ministry for women, the order eventually became a cloistered community, following the Rule of St. Augustine.

By the time of Jane Frances' death at the Visitation Convent in Moulins on December 13, 1641, the order had grown from a humble beginning to 86 houses. Her legacy continued to flourish, with the order expanding to 164 houses by the time she was canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767.

Beatified on November 21, 1751, by Pope Benedict XIV, Jane Frances de Chantal remains a powerful intercessor, especially for the forgotten, widows, and parents separated from their children. Her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Mary continues to inspire the faithful to this day.