Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was born into a noble family and married the Baron de Chantal when she was 20. They enjoyed a fruitful marriage and had several children. Tragically, the baron was killed in a hunting accident when Jane was only 28. Heartbroken, she took a personal vow of chastity and moved her family in with her cruel father-in-law. During this hard time in Jane's life, she met Saint Francis de Sales, who became her spiritual advisor and close friend. Francis and Jane established the Order of the Visitation of Our Lady, which was created specifically for widows and laywomen who wanted to live in a religious community, but did not want the full life of other religious orders. Jane Frances de Chantal was canonized in 1767 and is the patron saint of forgotten people, widows, and against in-law problems.