SELECTED LETTERS OF
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

SELECTED LETTERS OF
SAINT JANE FRANCES
DE CHANTAL

TRANSLATED BY
THE SISTERS OF THE VISITATION
HARROW

WITH A PREFACE BY
HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL BOURNE
ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER

R. & T. WASHBOURNE, LTD.
PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
AND AT MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM, AND GLASGOW

PREFACE

We are all apt so to idealise the Saints whom we love to study and honour, and strive to imitate, that we are in danger of forgetting that they possessed a human nature like our own, subject to many trials, weaknesses and frailties. They had to struggle as we have to struggle. The only difference is that their constancy and perseverance were greater far than ours.

Biographers are often responsible for the false tendency to which we allude. They like to give us the finished portrait of the Saints, and only too often they omit in great part the details of the long and weary toil that went to make the picture which they delight to paint.

In the case of some of the Saints we are able to come nearer to the reality by reading the letters which have been preserved, in which in their own handwriting they have set down, without thought of those who in later days might read their words, the details of their daily life and struggle. Thus in the few selected Letters of the holy foundress of the Visitation which are now being published in an English translation we get glimpses of her real character and spiritual growth which may be more helpful to us than many pages of formal biography. In one place she excuses the brevity of a letter because she is "feeling the cold to-day and pressed for time." In another she tells a Sister, "do everything to get well, for it is only your nerves." Nerves are evidently not a new malady nor a lately devised excuse. She knew the weariness of delay: "still no news from Rome.... I think His Grace the Archbishop would be glad to help us.... Beg him, I beseech you, to push on the matter."

Haste and weather had their effect on her as on us: "I write in such haste that I forget half of what I want to say.... We will make a chalice veil for you, but not until the very hot weather is over, for one cannot work properly while it lasts."

What mother, especially in these days of sorrow and anxiety, can read unmoved the Saint's own words as she speaks of her daughter's death, and of her fears about her son. "I am almost in despair ... so miserable am I about it that I do not know which way to turn, if not to the Providence of God, there to bury my longings, confiding to His hands not only the honour but even the salvation of this already half lost child. Oh! the incomparable anguish of this affliction. No other grief can come near to it."

And then we feel her mingled grief and joy when at last she learnt that this, her only son, had given up his life, fighting for his King, after a humble and fervent reception of the Sacraments.

Thus in the midst of the daily small worries of life, and of the great sorrows that at one time or other fall to the lot of all, we see a brave and generous soul, with human gifts and qualities like to our own, treading her appointed path to God.

No one can read her words without carrying therefrom fresh courage for his life, and a new determination to battle steadfastly to the end.

FRANCIS CARDINAL BOURNE,
Archbishop of Westminster.

Feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal,
August 21st, 1917.

TRANSLATORS' PREFACE

The letters here translated are, with a few mentioned exceptions, selected from "Sainte Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot de Chantal: Sa Vie et ses Œuvres," "First edition entirely conformable to the original manuscripts published under the supervision of the religious of the Visitation of Holy Mary at Annecy, by E. Plon and Co., rue Garanciere 10, Paris, 1877."

The rendering cannot be looked upon as entirely literal, but the translators have kept as closely to the original as was consistent with an easy rendering in modern English.

The circular letter to the Sisters of the Visitation (page 152) is a remarkable document worthy of the reader's special attention, as are also the letters to "Dom John of St. Francis" on St. Francis de Sales, and the subtle manifestation of St. Jane Frances' own state of soul in her letter to "A great Servant of God."

It has been thought better to leave the superscription heading all the Saint's letters, "Vive Jésus" (Let Jesus reign), as in the original, and untranslated.

The title of "Sister Deposed" given to the immediate predecessor in office of the actual Superior is peculiar to the Visitation Order.

There are, as will be seen, a few slight omissions, but only when the matter was of no interest or importance.

The Saint, as the reader will observe, does not keep to any fixed rule in regard to capital letters.

CONTENTS

JUDGMENT OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES ON THE VIRTUES OF MOTHER DE CHANTAL

"My brother de Thorens," said St. Francis to one of his friends, "travelled last month into Burgundy to fetch his little wife, and brought back with her a mother-in-law whom neither he is worthy of having nor I of serving. God has given her to me. She has come to be my daughter in order that I may teach her to die to the world and to live to Jesus Christ. Urged by God's design over her she has left all, and has provided for all with a strength and prudence not common to her sex, such that in her every action the good will find wherewith to praise her and the wicked will not know in what to blame her."

In a letter the holy Bishop expresses himself as follows: "The Queen Bee of our new hive, because she is so eager in the pursuit of virtue, is much tormented with sickness, yet she finds no remedy to her liking save in the observance of her Rule. I have never seen such singleness of intention, such submission to authority, such detachment from all things, such acceptance of the will of God, such fervour in prayer as this good Mother shows. For my part I believe that God will make her like unto St. Paula, St. Angela, St. Catherine of Genoa, and the other holy widows." Writing elsewhere to one of his relations he says: "I feel unutterable consolation in seeing the moderation of our dear Mother in regard to all the obstacles that come in her way and her total indifference to the things of earth. In all truth I may say that, proportionately to the graces received, a soul could not arrive at higher perfection. I regard her as an honour to her sex, one who with the science of the Saints leads a most holy, hidden life concealed by an ordinary exterior, who does nothing out of the common and yet is irreproachable in all things."

Once again, writing to a Bishop in answer to a letter about Mother de Chantal, St. Francis says: "I cannot speak but with respect of this most holy soul which combines profound humility with a very broad and very capable mind. She is simple and sincere as a child, of a lofty and solid judgement. A great soul with a courage for holy undertakings beyond that of her sex. Indeed, I never read the description of the valiant woman of Solomon without thinking of Mother de Chantal. I write all this to you in confidence, for this truly humble soul would be greatly distressed if she knew that I had said so much in her praise."

SELECTED LETTERS OF ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL

I.
To St. Francis de Sales.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Annecy, 1611.

How soon may I hope for the happy day when I shall irrevocably offer myself to my God? He has so filled me with the thought of being entirely His, and it has come home to me in such a wonderful and powerful manner, that, were my emotion to last as it now is, I could not live under its intensity. Never have I had such a burning love and desire for the evangelical life and for the great perfection to which God calls me. What I feel about it is quite impossible to put into words. But, alas! my resolve to be very faithful to the greatness of the love of this divine Saviour is balanced by the feeling of my incapacity to correspond with it. Oh, how painful to love is this barrier of powerlessness! But why do I speak thus? By doing so I degrade, it seems to me, the gift of God which urges me to live in perfect poverty, in humble obedience, and in spotless purity.

II.
To the Same.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Annecy, 1612.

My Lord and my own Father, I pray God to fill your soul with His choicest blessings, with Himself, and above all with the most pure love of Jesus. Now, for fear others may alarm you, I am telling you myself that this morning I was taken very ill. After dinner I had a shivering fit and collapsed completely for a time, but now, thank God, I feel quite well again; so do not let this trouble you, for the love of God, that God Whom my soul loves, adores, and desires to serve with the utmost singleness of heart and with perfect purity. Obtain for me, my Father, when to-morrow you hold this divine Saviour, His grace in such abundance that I may for ever adore, serve, and love Him perfectly. It is an immense consolation to know that you are occupied with that heavenly work "the Divine Love."[A] With what ardour I sigh for that love! Alas! my God, when shall we see one another utterly consumed therewith?

I have seen the good aunt: what a venerable old lady she is! I assure you I am well now, and you know I would not say so if it were not true. May Jesus reign and His Holy Mother. Amen.

III.
To M. Legros at Dijon.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Annecy,
18th June, 1612.

Sir,

We have given your daughter a true welcome. This offering which you and she have made so lovingly cannot fail to be very agreeable to the good God. You may be consoled and at peace about her for she is, and will always be, very dear to me. God obliges me to have an exceeding great care and love for all those whom He leads here and the goodness of your heart, together with her confidence in me, urges and binds me closely to her. I have not leisure for more, but once again, let me assure you that this dear little soul has found here an affectionate Father and Mother, so you may be happy about her. I am extremely obliged to you for the trouble you have taken about that business (illegible lines).... May God fill you with grace, consolation, and strength to walk in the way of His divine commandments! I affectionately salute all your children, for whom I wish a like grace. Madame Legros and I have agreed to be as sisters to one another. I greatly love and esteem her: she is a brave, generous woman. God guide her to Himself.

Always, Sir, your very humble servant,

Frémyot.

IV.
The Duke of Savoy to St. Jane Frances de Chantal.

Very Reverend Dearly Beloved and Devout Petitioner,

Your choice of my daughter, the Infanta Duchess of Mantua, as your Mother and Protectress gives us much pleasure. We are delighted that you have erected your Congregation in our States, as we profoundly esteem your piety, charity, and devotion, and we desire by this letter to assure you that you have our special protection, and that it is our wish to aid, favour, and assist you in all that is necessary for the carrying out of your good work. We have written to this effect to our nephew the Marquis de Lans and to our Senate of Savoy, to which you can always have recourse. The Countess de Tournon is charged to assist the Infanta at the solemnity which you will be celebrating and to instruct her as to her duties in regard to you. May I beg a remembrance in your prayers and in those of your devout flock, whom I pray God to have in His holy keeping.

Charles Emmanuel,
Duke of Savoy.

Turin,
22nd of December, 1613.

V.
To Madame d'Auxerre,[A] Foundress of the Monastery of the Visitation at Lyons.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Annecy, 1614.

Madame, My most dear and beloved Sister, The grace of Our Lord be in your heart.

He has been pleased to grant you your request and it is He alone who has inspired you with this desire. Again, He alone has put into the hearts of this little Community a feeling of general satisfaction in regard to your undertaking, and for this intention we have communicated and prayed much. As for me I tell you, trustfully, in confidence, that when I was speaking to our Lord about this affair His divine goodness seemed to make manifest to me that He Himself led you here with His own hand. This consoled me and made me resolve to give you what He commands, and this my dearly loved Sister is my answer to what you ask. I give it simply and in all sincerity. O how happy you are to have been thus called by God to this most excellent service. Respond courageously to such abundant graces and remain very humble and faithful to His holy will.

I must say this one word more in answer to what you feel as regards God's goodness in giving you as guide this great and admirable servant of His.[B] Know, my dearest Sister, that I also so strongly feel this, that every day I make a special act of thanksgiving to God for it, and the longer we live the more we shall understand what a grace it is. I remember, in reference to it, a Capuchin once telling me that it increased his regard for me to think of the peculiar care and love that God must have for me to have given me this grace.... Remain now full of thanksgiving in peace and certainty, as much as it is possible to have in this life, that you are carrying out God's holy will.

We pray continually for you. All our Sisters unite with me in saluting you most cordially. I, indeed, look upon your heart, my beloved Sister, as mine own, and because this is the very truth you must look upon my heart as yours in His who is our only Love.

Adieu. May we belong always wholly to God.

I remain with incomparable affection,

Yours, etc.

VI.
To St. Francis de Sales.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Annecy, 1614.

I write because I cannot refrain from doing so; for this morning I am more wearisome to myself than usual. My interior state is so gravely defective that, in anguish of spirit, I see myself giving way on every side. Assuredly, my good Father, I am almost overwhelmed by this abyss of misery. The presence of God, which was formerly such a delight to me, now makes me tremble all over and shudder with fear. I bethink myself that the divine eye of Him whom I adore, with entire submission, pierces right through my soul looking with indignation upon all my thoughts, words and works. Death itself, it seems to me, would be less painful to bear than the distress of mind which this occasions, and I feel as if all things had power to harm me. I am afraid of everything; I live in dread, not because of harm to myself, but because I fear to displease God. Oh, how far away His help seems! thinking of this I spent last night in great bitterness and could utter no other words than these, "My God, my God, alas! why hast Thou forsaken me." At daybreak God gave me a little light in the highest part of my soul, yet only there; but it was almost imperceptible; nor did the rest of my soul and its faculties share the enjoyment, which lasted only about the time of half a Hail Mary, then, trouble rushed back upon me with a mighty force, and all was darkness. Notwithstanding the weariness of this dereliction, I said, though in utter dryness, "Do, Lord, whatever is pleasing to Thee, I wish it. Annihilate me, I am content. Overwhelm me, I most sincerely desire it. Tear out, cut, burn, do just as Thou pleasest, I am Thine." God has shown me that He does not make much account of faith that comes of sentiment and emotions. This is why, though against my inclination, I never wish for sensible devotion. I do not desire it. God is enough for me. Notwithstanding my absolute misery I hope in Him, and I trust He will continue to support me so that His will may be accomplished in me. Take my feeble heart into your hands, my true Father and Lord, and do what you see to be wisest with it.

VII.
To the Sisters of the Monastery of the Visitation of Annecy.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Lyons,
16th February, 1615.

Excuse me, I beg of you, my dearest and very good Sisters, if I do not answer you each one separately, which indeed the kindness you have shown me deserves that I should do, and my affection for you would desire: but neither head nor leisure permit it, and besides, God be thanked for it, I see no necessity to write to any one in particular. Persevere in your good desires and every day become more faithful to the observance of your holy Rules and love them better. This alone, believe me, should be your sole care. Cast not a look upon anything else and be assured that you will walk upon the right road and will make a good and prosperous voyage. May God in His infinite mercy be with you and bless you so that you may perfectly accomplish His holy will. With all my heart I desire this, for I love you all, and each one individually, with the greatest possible affection, far beyond what you could imagine. This I tell you all, not forgetting those who have not written to me. God bless you, my very dear daughters. May He be your sole love and desire. Pray, I beseech you, for the needs of your poor Mother, who is very affectionately

Your most humble and unworthy servant in our Lord.

VIII.
To Sister Jeanne Charlotte de Bréchard, Assistant and Mistress of Novices at Annecy.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Lyons,
July 9th, 1615.

My dearest Sister, my darling,

See now how trouble is lifted off your shoulders by the presence you enjoy of my very honoured Lord![A] He is most anxious to work at our Rules,[B] and is about to curtail them considerably at the desire of the Archbishop of Lyons. I think he intends to spend these months of July and August at Annecy, for he tells me that during the great heat he has more leisure, having fewer visitors. I shall be very glad when he has finished the blessed book so much desired and so long awaited.[C] Until I have put it into the printer's hands for publication I am not, I believe, to leave here for Annecy. So if you are in such great need of me, help by your fidelity and your prayers to secure time for this good and dear Lord to complete the work. The whole day, as far as he is free, ought to be devoted to it, but though it no longer requires much application, yet it progresses very slowly: such is the will of the great God, and may His will be accomplished here and everywhere. For all that, you must keep up your courage; we shall find September upon us before we know where we are, and then God will console us. You cannot think how I am looking forward to my return—I am simply longing for it; but, my love, His Lordship does not agree with you as to its present necessity; he considers I am more useful here now, to satisfy certain persons. Meanwhile, I am getting on with our little business, and I trust, through the goodness of God and the brave heart of my dearest Sister, that all will go tranquilly till I return. Please God, I will do so at the appointed time, when the business of the house will be more pressing. Then I shall relieve my poor little Sister of the burden as much as I am able, and she will have nothing to do but to kindle in the hearts of her dear novices the love of their Spouse, and to caress her poor mother, who is so fond of her. Do not forget the sweetmeats for the poor nor the dried fruit, as much as you can procure of it. In the month of September lay in a provision of butter and cheese; Sister Anne Jacqueline (Coste) will help you in this. I am a little surprised that you tell me there is only corn enough for the end of this month, for it ought to have lasted till the end of September. Perhaps you have not paid for what was due, or you may not have returned what was advanced to you for the masons. Anyhow you must buy more as soon as it is wanted; but for these two first months purchase the old corn rather than the new. After that, awaiting the season for laying in provisions, we shall see as soon as possible if my son cannot return part of what he has had from us, until he is able to pay it all back.

See that Sister Marguerite (Milletot) writes to say that we shall keep her pension here, and tell her to ask out boldly for the ewer and the gown about which so many promises have been made to her. They need make no excuse about not being able to send them for it is quite easy to get things from here to Dijon. You must treat poor Sister Mary Madeleine (de Mouxy) very gently, and she will, I think, in time, see for herself what is necessary. I am writing in great haste, for this letter goes by the Bishop. It is absolutely necessary to build the sacristies, complete the church, and enclose the little court, for you know we must have more accommodation. Then we'll stop. As to the continuation of the buildings, we must wait and see what can be done when what we are now doing is finished. If we buy the houses, as his Lordship tells me, and have the Fathers' garden, that will be a good bit of business done.

I salute affectionately my very dear and beloved Sisters. May Jesus be all things to them, and they all to Jesus. Amen.

My kind remembrances also to my son M. Michel (Favre),[D] to all our friends, and to the workmen. I send two combs for my daughters to tease the red wool, and two ells of material to cover the bodice of a dress for little Françoise, and two of stuff, which is very ugly but most expensive, for the bodice of a petticoat, for sleeves and neck kerchiefs, to last her over the summer. Please God, for the future I'll choose her clothing myself, and not trust it to anyone else.

Goodbye, and a happy Vespers,[E] my dear good Sister. It is nearly noon and we are only just out from table; for the Archbishop of Lyons, as usual, came about 10 o'clock,[F] and then came Madame Saint Chamond. Give me your best prayers, for I am most truly miserable. Nevertheless, may the great God accomplish His holy will in us! Amen.