St Jane Frances de Chantal, Founder of the Visitation

Jane Frances de Chantal was a French noblewoman, born in 1572, who married, raised her children and was left a widow. She met St Francis de Sales, who became her spiritual guide. In 1610, once her eldest daughter was married and her son provided for, she went with her two younger daughters to Annecy, where she and Francis founded the Visitation Order, and she became its first superior. She died in 1641 and was canonised in 1767. Her feast is August 12. Light a free candle for widows, mothers and those who feel lost. St Jane Frances, pray for us.