Jane Francis de Chantal was born into noble parents on 25 January 1573. Jane grew up in the care of her father as she lost her mother at an early age. Growing up in a Christian environment from an early age, Jane led an excellent life of faith.
When Jane was twenty, she was married to a high-ranking French Army officer Baron. He was a devout Catholic. Their family life moved forward happily. God blessed their marriage by giving them a son and three daughters. But when Jane was twenty-eight, her husband died. Many forced her to remarry, but Jane refused.
During the Lent of 1604, Saint Francis Sales came to preach in Dijon. Impressed by his speech and holiness of life, Jane accepted him as his wise counselor. It was during this period that Jane sent her daughters to be married. Later, Jane wanted to enter a convent. Her wish was informed to Francis. Soon the Saint established the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as he had long wished, and entrusted Jane to conduct it. This decision of the saint was strongly opposed by the family members. The saint’s son, who was fifteen years old, tried his best not to leave his mother’s home. Seeing that all his efforts were in vain, the son finally got stuck in the door where the saint had to pass. He crossed his son with a broken heart and left for the holy monastery.
The monastery, which began in Annecy in 1610, quickly spread to other parts of the world. At the time of Saint’s death, the monastery had 86 branches. The saint had to endure many sufferings during this period. Death of son and son-in-law, and her spiritual father. Despite all the hardships and illnesses that followed Francis’ death, the saint suffered greatly, but Jane did everything for the glory of God. On 13 December 1641, the saint was called for his eternal gift.