From the series, “Formation Q&A of St. Jane.”
We are beginning a series on the delightful way St. Jane de Chantal had of instructing her Visitation Nuns in the spirit and practices of the Visitation Order. St. Jane felt the best way to share her insights was by answering questions from her Sisters in community.
In this series, we will present a Visitandine’s actual, historic question, and St. Jane’s recorded response from her collected teachings, called “Answers”, published soon after her death in 1641.
St. Jane shared much practical wisdom about the religious life drawn from her own experience as co-Foundress of the Visitation Order with St. Francis de Sales, as well as from her previous vocational call as wife, mother and widow.
On one occasion in the first community of Annecy, France, the Sisters were curious about new members:
Visitandine Sister: How shall it be known if postulants have a sound mind, and are well disposed to live in profound humility, sweetness, simplicity and resignation?
Mother Jane de Chantal: It will be by hearing them speak on different 
things, and inquiring about them of those who know them. And if they do not understand what they affirm they wish to practice, they must be taught to understand it, as fully as possible. This must be done very carefully when they are on trial, and it is generally seen in this first trial what the postulants are likely to be.
Visitandine Sister: How can we know about the great desire postulants ought to have for Christian perfection?
Mother Jane de Chantal: Doubtless, not by their talking such language, but by their showing a desire and a determination to live in perfect obedience. With their good vocation, how have they profited from it, from the time when they received it from God; as, have they been more given to frequent the Sacraments, and read good books, have they withdrawn their affections from the world; have they become more gentle in their conversation, more obedient to their parents and the like, by which their disposition may be seen.
Read more in the series of articles, “Formation Q&A of St. Jane.”
(Excerpts and adaptations from p 76, 304 Answers of Our Holy Mother St Jane Frances Fremiot)