author
Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal
1572–1641
A French noblewoman who became a widow, mother, and eventually a religious founder, she is remembered for turning deep personal loss into a life of charity and faith. Alongside Francis de Sales, she helped establish the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.
1 Audiobook
Selected Letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
by Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal
About the author
Born in Dijon in 1572 as Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot, she later became known in English as Jane Frances de Chantal. After marrying Baron Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal, she was widowed while still young and raised her children before embracing religious life.
She is best known as the cofounder, with Francis de Sales, of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, a community shaped by humility, devotion, and care for others. Her life has often been remembered for the way she combined family responsibilities, grief, practical leadership, and spiritual commitment.
She died in 1641 and was canonized in 1767. Her story continues to stand out because it joins strength and tenderness in a way that still feels human and immediate.