Embracing Faith and Grace: The Inspiring Life of St. Jane Frances de Chantal

St. Jane Frances de Chantal is a beacon of strength, faith, and grace for Catholic women everywhere. Born in Dijon, France, in 1572, her life’s foundation was a profound love for God and a hopeful spirit that supported her through many trials and sufferings. As I write this blog post each month, I am inspired, but also intimidated by the saints that I choose. I am inspired because they often overcome great obstacles to live their faith. I often am intimidated because reflecting on their lives of pain and suffering is a reminder that living a holy life includes both great joy, but also deep suffering. Of course, I always welcome the joy, but usually want to avoid the suffering. Can you relate?

St. Jane experienced deep love and joy in her marriage to Baron de Chantal, but tragedy struck when her husband suddenly died in a hunting accident, leaving her a young widow with four children. Instead of living in bitterness, Jane demonstrated her unwavering faith by forgiving the man responsible for her husband's death. Her ability to forgive and move forward even in the midst of pain is a lesson on the power of faith and mercy. Her example urges us to a deeper trust in God's plan even when things don’t go as expected. Forgiveness opens the door to God’s graces pouring over our lives, but it can also be the obstacle to receiving those graces. In my coaching practice, at some point forgiveness comes up in our sessions together. Sometimes my clients have been holding on to pain and hurts for a long time and need help letting go. They need to understand that forgiveness is not condoning or letting their offender off the hook. Forgiveness means placing the hurt and suffering in God’s hands to let him deal with the issue in a way that only God can. Placing someone in the hands of God through forgiveness opens the door to so much inner healing, peace and joy. 

Following her husband's death, Jane deepened her devotion to God through a life of service and prayer. It would have been easy for her to abandon God, yet in her suffering she discovered his great love and unending mercy. Her spiritual journey led her to meet St. Francis de Sales, who became a close friend and her spiritual director. With his support and encouragement, she founded the Congregation of the Visitation, a religious order for women who could not endure the rigorous life of other orders due to age or health. The Visitation nuns dedicated themselves to humility and charity, visiting the sick and the poor. These sisters made a deep impact in the lives of those who felt like outcasts in society. Jane’s dedication to serving others, even in the middle of  her own grief and family responsibilities, is a powerful reminder that true devotion is reflected in our actions towards others. St. Jane is a reminder that the best way through difficult times is by looking beyond our pain to see how we can serve others who are also suffering. When we generously and freely give to others, we receive a double portion in graces and blessings. 

St. Jane Frances de Chantal’s leaves a legacy of love and compassion. She viewed her roles as a mother, leader, and servant of God through the lens of grace and humility. Her letters show she has a heart of compassion and encourages others by sharing guidance, support, prayer and wisdom. She lived her life in the footsteps of Jesus as seen in the Gospel through her small acts of kindness and gracious acts of charity. As we navigate our own challenges and joys, let us look to St. Jane as a model of strength, grace, and unwavering faith in God's love, guiding us to live our lives with purpose, forgiveness, and a heart open to serving others.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.