Visitation Spirit

St. Jane, Woman of Gentleness

by | Mar 30, 2011 | "Prayerful Moments" booklet, Salesian Spirituality, St. Jane de Chantal

Gentle city of Annecy where the Visitation was founded

Gentleness in dealing with others is one of the hallmarks of Salesian Spirituality. It is a foundational virtue for Jane and Francis that allows Christians to interact with others in a spirit of kindness and patience. For Jane, gentleness and humility were inextricably bound together. Jesus’ humble and gentle heart is our model in seeking to be responsive to God and our neighbor.

Jane constantly reminded the sisters, but especially superiors, of the importance of the virtue of gentleness both for the good of the community, its peace and happiness, as well as for the individual sister whose need for love, attention, and quiet support was to be honored in as gentle a manner as possible:

As for gentleness of heart, my dear daughters, this is a heart which does not resist anything and is not angry at anything done to it, that bears all, endures all, that is compassionate and full of affection for its neighbor and that does not have any bitterness in it. No, I am not talking at all about a heart of Flesh, but a heart united with God’s will in the superior part of the soul. Therefore, contradictions, perse­cutions, obstacles and difficulties which come to a truly gentle heart are immediately weakened as soon as they approach it.

Reflection questions:

  1. How does gentleness encourage others? How does it help us to be more patient and kind?
  2. Why does curtness turn people off? Have you ever been dealt with curtly other than with gentleness? What. was your reaction?
  3. Why is the virtue of gentleness so central to Jane?
  4. How does gentleness weaken the contradictions, persecutions, obstacles and difficulties that it meets?

APPLICATION

Scripture

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11: 29-30)

I, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ–I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! (2 Corinthians 10:1)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..and be thankful. (Colossians 3:12)

JANE’S WORDS:

To be sure, experience has taught me, that nothing so wins souls as gentleness and cordiality. I beg you, dearest, follow this method, for it is the spirit of our blessed Father, Francis de Sales. Curtness in words or actions only hardens heads and depresses them, whereas gentleness encourages them and makes them receptive.

You must be gentle and affable, loving your daughters with a wise maternal love—the true enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.                                                                             

If you wish to acquire the spirit of your vocation, you must avoid all over-eagerness. Do everything in a spirit of gentleness and fidelity, thinking of attaining your goal in God’s time, not your own.