St. Jane as a Mother
Perhaps Jane as mother is the role with most appeal for us today. The charming pictures of her playing with her children, teaching them their lessons, sacrificing herself for them so that their grandfather would not squander their inheritance—all these incidents remind us that Jane was first and foremost a mother. Actually, it is a role she never really gave up. She remained a mother until the end other life and her experience of motherhood enriched her and gave her a beauty of soul, a goodness, and an understanding of human nature which enhanced the gift she was to the Order of the Visitation.
As a busy Foundress, Jane still had time for her children’s affairs. She arranged a marriage for her only surviving daughter, Francoise, with a gentleman that both mother and daughter thought was a perfect match. Jane had begun to despair about ever finding a suitable husband for Francoise who never hesitated to express her opinion and had rejected several possible suitors. Monsieur de Toulonjon was the ideal husband for Francoise and she loved him dearly, much to her mother’s joy and relief.
Celse-Benigne was another matter. He was her first born and it is certain she saw traces of his father’s features reflected in his face, and, surely, that made him doubly dear. He made certain that Jane de Chantal world be known to history as the “mother who stepped over her son.” On the day she left for Annecy, Celse-Benigne threw himself across the doorway. Not quite knowing how to handle this obstacle, Jane stepped over her beloved son, then paused. The tears held under control throughout the ordeal began to flow. A priest rather heartlessly reproached her for her hesitation. She replied with calm dignity: “What do you expect, I am a mother.” And in that quick defense, Jane de Chantal gave its her own self-description: I am a mother.
Reflection questions:
1. Why can we say that Jane’s experience as mother of four children gave her a very special kind of preparation for her task as Foundress of the Visitation Order?
2. How would the two vocations resemble one another?
APPLICATION
Scripture
A capable wife who can find her? Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:10, 28, 29)
For thus says the Lord: as a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51)
JANE’S WORDS:
And so, dearest Francoise, welcome very lovingly, as coming from the hand of God, these little ones that he gives you, take good care of them; cherish them tenderly, and bring them up in the fear of the Lord. Take my word for this, dearest. This is what you must do: serve God, let go of pride, live in harmony with the husband God has given you, take good care of your household; work at all this and from now on, try to live like a real mother.”
Govern the community, not as a great lady and mistress, but as a mother.
Do your best to gain the hearts of your sisters by kindness. Treat with them freely, cordially, trustfully.