Saint Jane of Valois

Biography

Saint Jane of Valois, also known as Jeanne de France, was born on April 23, 1464, in Nogent-le-Roi, County of Dreux, which is in modern-day France. She was the daughter of King Louis XI of France and Charlotte of Savoy, and the cousin of Blessed Louise of Savoy. Unfortunately, Jane was born with deformities and remained sickly throughout her life.

Despite her physical challenges, Jane developed a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary from an early age. She was particularly drawn to the praying of the Angelus, a traditional Catholic devotion honoring the Incarnation. Her love and devotion to our Lady became the central focus of her spiritual life.

At the tender age of nine, Jane was married for political reasons to Louis, Duke of Orleans. Although their marriage was arranged, she believed it was her duty to love and support her husband. Jane held great affection for Louis, praying for him and praising him to others. However, when Louis became King Louis XII, he sought to dissolve their marriage, and with the approval of Pope Alexander VI, their union was annulled.

Despite the dissolution of her marriage, Jane found a new purpose in life. Gifted with the territory of Berry in modern France, she became the Duchess of Berry and ruled the province. It was during this time that she sought spiritual guidance from her Franciscan spiritual advisor, Blessed Gabriel Mary. Together, they founded the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Annonciades or the Annunciation Sisters.

The primary rule of the Order was to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary as described in the Bible. Saint Jane of Valois was dedicated to promoting a life of prayer, contemplation, and simplicity, focusing on humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice. These virtues were exemplified through her own life, despite her physical limitations.

Throughout her life, Saint Jane of Valois exhibited great piety and faith. She demonstrated an unwavering trust in God, finding solace and strength in her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Jane's love and dedication to Mary were reflected in her deep humility and unwavering commitment to living out the Gospel values.

Saint Jane of Valois passed away on February 4, 1505, in Bourges, France, due to natural causes. She was buried in the chapel of the Annonciade monastery. Recognizing her holy life and the impact of her spiritual work, Pope Benedict XIV beatified her on April 21, 1742. Later, on May 28, 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized her, acknowledging her as a saint of the Catholic Church. It is worth noting that her Cause for canonization had been submitted as early as 1614.

Saint Jane of Valois is honored and venerated for her profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her dedication to a life of prayer and simplicity, and her founding of the esteemed Order of the Annunciation Sisters. She is remembered as a humble saint who demonstrated unwavering faith and trust in God, despite her physical afflictions. Her life serves as an inspiration to believers, encouraging them to seek a closer relationship with God through prayer and imitation of the virtues of Mary.