Companion to a Visionary: When the archbishop of Lyons invited the Visitation sisters into his diocese in 1615, he stipulated that they change their way of life. Instead of visiting the sick, he wanted them cloistered—out of contact with the outside world. Jane objected to Francis. “I beg of you . . . to write [...]
Foundress of a New Order: Once Jane’s children were more settled, Francis outlined his vision for a new type of religious community. Requiring only a simple vow of celibacy, it would accommodate women who wanted to join together in loving God and neighbor, but who couldn’t meet the demanding requirements of existing religious orders. The [...]
This is part of a series of articles on the lives of Visitation saints and holy persons. Look at the “Recent Activity” in the column to the right for other articles. Then, in March 1604, Jane’s father invited her to hear Francis de Sales preach. This young Catholic bishop governed his see from Annecy in [...]
