Saint Jane Antide Thouret

Biography

Saint Jane Antide Thouret, also known as Joan Antide Thouret, Jeanne Antide Thouret, and Giovanna Antida Thouret, was born on 27 November 1765 in Sancy-le-Long, in the diocese of Besançon, France. She grew up in a humble family, the daughter of a tanner. Tragedy struck her life at the age of 16 when her mother passed away, leaving Jane to assume the responsibilities of managing the family and assisting her father in raising her younger siblings. In 1787, Jane made the life-changing decision to join the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in Paris, France. She dedicated herself to the service of others and spent the next five years working in various hospitals, tirelessly caring for the sick and those in need. However, with the outbreak of the French Revolution, religious orders were suppressed, and Jane was ordered to abandon her religious life and return to a secular lifestyle. Refusing to renounce her calling, Jane made a courageous attempt to escape the authorities. Unfortunately, her efforts were met with brutal violence, and she was severely beaten. The injuries she sustained were so grave that it took months for her to recover. Undeterred by this ordeal, Jane eventually managed to return on foot to her hometown of Sancy-le-Long. Back in Sancy-le-Long, Jane dedicated herself to caring for the sick and opened a small school for girls. However, the government repression during the late 1790s forced her to flee to Switzerland, where she found solace in the company of other exiled religious and clergy who shared her passion for ministering to the sick. Together, they formed a compassionate group that traveled from place to place, offering their help wherever it was most needed. Unfortunately, the group faced anti-Catholic prejudice in Switzerland, forcing them to continue their journey and settle in Germany. Despite these challenges, Jane's unwavering commitment to her calling led her to Landeron, Switzerland, where she encountered the Vicar-General of Besançon for her order. He recognized Jane's extraordinary dedication and asked her to found a school and hospital under the auspices of the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul. In 1799, Jane fulfilled this request, and the school was established in Besançon, France. This marked the foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, the congregation that Jane established to oversee these institutions. The Institute rapidly expanded its mission, operating numerous schools and hospitals not only in France, but also in Switzerland and Italy. Additionally, the sisters of the Congregation engaged in prison ministry, extending their compassionate care to those within the penal system. The remarkable work of Jane and the Institute attracted attention and admiration, leading to papal approval in 1819. Recognized for her heroic virtues, Jane Antide Thouret was venerated on 9 July 1922 by Pope Pius XI. She was later beatified by the same pontiff on 23 May 1926, and canonized as a saint on 14 January 1934. Saint Jane Antide Thouret dedicated her life to serving the sick, educating young girls, and demonstrating love and compassion to all those she encountered. Through her selfless actions and unwavering faith, she has become an inspiration for countless individuals seeking to follow in her footsteps and emulate her profound commitment to the service of God and others.