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Saint for the Day - February 4 - St. Jane of
Valois
Born of the blood royal
of France, herself a queen, Jane of Valois led a
life remarkable for its humiliations even in the
annals of the Saints. Her father, Louis XI., who had
hoped for a son to succeed him, banished Jane from
his palace, and, it is said, even attempted her
life. At the age of five the neglected child offered
her whole heart to God, and yearned to do some
special service in honor of His blessed Mother. At
the king's wish, though against her own inclination,
she was married to the Duke of Orleans. Towards an
indifferent and unworthy husband her conduct was
ever most patient and dutiful. Her prayers and tears
saved him from a traitor's death and shortened the
captivity which his rebellion had merited. Still
nothing could win a heart which was already given to
another. When her husband ascended the throne as
Louis XII., his first act was to repudiate by false
representations one who through twenty-two years of
cruel neglect had been his true and loyal wife. At
the final sentence of separation, the saintly queen
exclaimed, "God be praised Who has allowed this,
that I may serve Him better . than I have heretofore
done." Retiring to Bourges, she there realized her
long-formed desire of founding the Order of the
Annunciation, in honor of the Mother of God.
Under the guidance of St. Francis of Paula, the
director of her childhood, St. Jane was enabled to
overcome the serious obstacles which even good
people raised against the foundation of her new
Order. In 1501 the rule of the Annunciation was
finally approved by Alexander VI. The chief aim of
the institute was to imitate the ten virtues
practised by Our Lady in the mystery of the
Incarnation, the superioress being called "Ancelle,"
handmaid, in honor of Mary's humility. St. Jane
built and endowed the first convent of the Order in
1502. She died in heroic sanctity, 1505, and was
buried in the royal crown and purple, beneath which
lay the habit of her Order.
Saint for the Day - St. Jane of Valois
Read about the Saint for today - February 4 and spare a thought for family or friends who might suffering from ill health or are experiencing times of trouble.
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Daily Reflection
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During the lifetime of St. Jane,
the Angelus was established in
France. The sound of the thrice
each day gave her hone in her
sorrow, and fostered in her the
desire still further to honor
the Incarnation. How often might
we derive grace from the same
beautiful devotion, so enriched
by the Church, yet neglected by
so many Catholics! |
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Saint for the Day Website
We hope that you gain spiritual knowledge and inspiration reading about the saint for today - February 4. An online Catholic resource providing a short Reflection for the year ahead. Use these short, inspiring words to request guidance or assistance for yourself and for the sake of others. |
