Saint Jane de Chantal

I was born in Dijon, France, in 1572. When I was 20, I married into a royal family. My husband Christoph and I had six children, two of which died at a young age. I was a busy wife and mother, but I always found time to help those less fortunate than we. When my husband died after an accident, I was heartbroken and fell into a deep depression. I decided never to marry again. About ten years later, I heard bishop Francis de Sales talking speak of God’s love. Some time later, I asked him to become my spiritual director. with his help, I founded an order of religious sisters. We became known as the Congregation of the Visitation of Holy Mary. During my lifetime, more than 80 convents were established. I died in 1641.