BIG C CATHOLICS

August 12th, is the optional memorial of Saint Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, the foundress of the Order of the Visitation of Mary. She was born in 1572 and came from a noble family, her father gave her in marriage to the Baron von Chantal in 1592. As mother she most zealously instructed the children in the ways of virtue and piety and in the observance of every divine precept. With great generosity, she supported the poor and took special joy in seeing how divine Providence often blesses and increases the smallest larder. Therefore, she made a vow never to refuse anyone who asked for alms in the Name of Christ. The death of her husband, who was accidentally shot while on the chase (1601), she bore with Christ-like composure and with all her heart forgave the person who had killed him; then she acted as sponsor for one of his children in order to show her forgiveness openly. There was a holy friendship between her and her spiritual guide, Saint Francis de Sales. With his approva

August 12th, is the optional memorial of Saint Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, the foundress of the Order of the Visitation of Mary. She was born in 1572 and came from a noble family, her father gave her in marriage to the Baron von Chantal in 1592. As mother she most zealously instructed the children in the ways of virtue and piety and in the observance of every divine precept. With great generosity, she supported the poor and took special joy in seeing how divine Providence often blesses and increases the smallest larder. Therefore, she made a vow never to refuse anyone who asked for alms in the Name of Christ. The death of her husband, who was accidentally shot while on the chase (1601), she bore with Christ-like composure and with all her heart forgave the person who had killed him; then she acted as sponsor for one of his children in order to show her forgiveness openly. There was a holy friendship between her and her spiritual guide, Saint Francis de Sales. With his approva

January 24th, is the memorial of Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), the 17th century French bishop and Doctor of the Church, whose desire to save souls resulted in the conversion of some 70,000 Calvinists in the region of Chablais (an area comprising parts of present day France and Switzerland). His gentleness of spirit, pastoral zeal and compassion made him a powerful teacher of the Faith. His most famous works Treatise on the Love of God and Introduction to the Devout Life , show holiness is possible for everyone, regardless of station. Born into a noble family of means, Francis studied law in Padua, Italy. Although once cantankerous and choleric in his demeanor, during this period, he became enamored with living in imitation of Christ. Taking a vow of perpetual chastity, he placed himself under Mary’s protection. His devotion to God, while unshakable, put him at odds with his family. Francis’ father expected him to lead the life of a respectable gentleman befitting his class.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was a prolific writer of letters concerning the spiritual formation and well-being of her correspondents. Men and women from every walk of life sought out her wisdom and insight. In this letter to her fellow Visitation sisters, Mother Chantal dispenses with motherly tenderness advice to her 'daughters' on successfully living out their vocations. Letter of Mother Chantal to the Sisters of the Monastery of the Visitation (Annecy, France) 16th February 1615 Excuse me, I beg of you, my dearest and very good Sisters, if I do not answer you each one separately, which indeed the kindness you have shown me deserves that I should do, and my affection for you would desire: but neither head nor leisure permit it, and besides, God be thanked for it, I see no necessity to write to any one in particular. Persevere in your good desires and every day become more faithful to the observance of your holy Rules and love them better. This alone, believe me, sh

The Optional Memorial of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is August 12th. St. Jane experienced both the vocation of marriage and life as a consecrated religious. Like Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, after her husband's untimely death, she raised a large family before taking vows and founding an order for women. She was born in Dijon, France, on January 28, 1572. Her father was a high ranking official in the Parliament of Burgundy. From him Jane received her love for God. Her mother died when Jane was 18 months old. At the age of 20, she married the Baron de Chantal. Her husband was a godly man, however, the baron's long neglected business concerns were on the brink of collapse. Jane helped supervised the estate. Organizing her husband's finances until they were solvent won her the respect of many. In 1601, upon the death of her husband in a hunting accident, the heartbroken young widow took a vow of chastity. She initially struggled with the prospect of raising her four survivi