Jane de Chantal, Woman of Courage

Jane de Chantal's life was replete with all kinds of challenges. Her courage in facing daunting losses of children, parents, and other people who had enriched her life considerably reminds us of the "valiant woman" of Scripture.

Jane's courage was rooted in her strong, steadfast faith which enabled her to see the hand of God in all that unfolded in her life. Her path to sanctity was forged by accepting the challenges that came her way as what she often referred to as "God's good pleasure."

"Live joyously and courageously, never doubting that Jesus Christ is entirely yours", she would often say to those whom she was leading along the paths of holiness.

Let us live this week joyously!