Selected Letters Of Saint Jane Frances De Chantal

by Jeanne Frances Chantal

Selected Letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is a book that features a collection of letters written by Jeanne Frances de Chantal, who is also known as Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. The letters were compiled and published in 1918. Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was a French Roman Catholic nun who lived during the late 16th and early 17th century. She was known for her piety, charity, and devotion to God. She co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary with Saint Francis de Sales, and served as its first superior. The letters included in this book were written by Saint Jane Frances de Chantal to various individuals, including her family, friends, and fellow nuns. They cover a wide range of topics, such as spiritual guidance, advice on living a holy life, and personal reflections on her own struggles and experiences. The book provides readers with a glimpse into the life and thoughts of a remarkable woman who devoted herself to God and the service of others. It is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of the Catholic Church, as well as for those seeking inspiration and guidance in their own spiritual journey.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Nonfiction

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1917

Reviews

[gardeningmom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was (dare I say it??) kind of a savage, in the very best of ways. The following quotes are from her letters to two separate Mother Superiors where she was giving advice regarding whether or not they should accept/keep certain novices in the convent.

“As for your novice, I do not see in her the dispositions requisite for her possession…Your house is already overwhelmed with infirm sisters without adding to their number one who besides is a bit of an idiot.” P. 196

“As to Sister N., alack! she is indeed wholly taken up with herself; hers is also a character in which you will find plenty to exercise your charity.” P. 200

[Gerri Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reprint of a 1917 publication. I almost gave it 4 stars because there's a certain repetition in many of the letters. Also because I had hoped for more of her correspondence with St. Francis de Sales. But I upped it to 5 for several reasons:

- the insight it provides into the St. Jane de Chantel's strong leadership and wisdom. She founded and expanded a religious order and did it with clear, compassionate oversight. Women in the 1600s had few opportunities to share such gifts with others.

- the window it opens into life in a cloister, especially when dealing with varying personalities. Religious authorities forced the order into enclosure after it was founded. St. Jane de Chantel accepted that in the same manner she counseled others to approach life: by putting things into the hands of God, accepting, and moving forward.

- the window it opens into family relationships in that era. (Some of the letters are to her children.)

- the supplemental material provided, including annotations, a brief biography and literary analysis and questions, answers and reflections.

As an added bonus, there are a couple of her letters to St. Vincent de Paul.

[Catherine]

I really enjoyed getting to know her in her own words! This collection mostly addresses her as an administrator, but there are gems here and there.