Today the Feast of Saint Jane DeChantal is celebrated but only in the US. For most of my life, her feast has bounced around. Many years ago it was celebrated on August 21, which I am very aware of because it was the anniversary of my parents’ wedding. At the time my mother wasn’t a Catholic, and the feast had no meaning for her. I doubt if she was even aware of it. But at some moment in the next twenty years it did come to her attention, and it did have some relevance when she was choosing my name.

In France I believe Saint Jane is celebrated on December 12, in accordance with the modern idea that a saint’s feast day should be the day she dies and (presumably?) goes to heaven. At any rate she falls into God’s hands. In this country, of course, that day is given to Our Lady of Guadalupe. I guess this is why Saint Jane got moved and landed on August 12. Having thought of her on other days for most of my life, I can never remember until reminded, that this is the day to celebrate her with the Church.

The New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia from 1908 has a fascinating article about Saint Jane’s life. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08282c.htm

She was the founder of the Visitation nuns. Originally the order was supposed to be for those who could not abide the rigors of the other established religious communities of the time. It was also not supposed to be confined to a convent, instead visiting those it was helping. This idea was ruined early on by some bishop, and Saint Jane was forced to accept modifications. She chose to see the changes as a challenge to her obedience, and submitted. I think Saint Louise de Marillac eventually got an order of nuns, the Sisters of Charity, who were allowed to stay out into the community doing their work, under the direction of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Saint Francis de Sales was Saint Jane’s spiritual director and much of his writing was aimed at helping her nuns live a holy life.

Before she founded the order of nuns she was married to the Baron de Chantal. He was killed in a hunting accident when a friend of his shot him with an arquebus. Saint Jane had children and grandchildren. Madame de Sevigny, an important French writer, is one of these. I have no idea what she wrote. It’s always on my list to find out, but never at the top. Things that are number five or ten never get done.

I wonder if I’m allowed to have extra treats today since it is my feast? That seems a little … transactional.