Saint Jane of Valois
Stored in Cargo: Saint Jane of Valois
| Saint Jane of Valois | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | February 04 |
| Profession | princess; queen consort |
| Rel. Affiliation | Order of the Annunciation of Our Lady (foundress) |
| Patronage | people with disabilities; founders of religious orders; Order of the Annunciades |
| Attributes | hunchbacked figure; lily; Annunciation scene |
| Birthplace | Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France |
| Death Place | Bourges, Cher, France |
| Cause of Death | natural causes (breast cancer) |
| Primary Shrine | Couvent de l'Annonciade, Bourges, France |
| Liturgical Class | Not included |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Saint Jane of Valois (1464–1505), also known as Saint Joan of France, was a member of the French royal family, daughter of King Louis XI of France, and foundress of the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Annunciades), a contemplative religious order.[1] Born with a physical deformity attributed to her father's penitential promises, she endured rejection and an unhappy marriage to her cousin, the future Louis XII of France, which was annulled in 1498. Retiring to Bourges in the Archdiocese of Bourges, she established her order in 1501, dedicating it to perpetual adoration of the mystery of the Annunciation.[2]
Despite chronic health issues, including scoliosis and later breast cancer, Jane exemplified heroic virtue, patience, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her cause for canonization advanced slowly; she was beatified in 1742 and canonized on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII, confirming two miracles attributed to her intercession.[3] Venerated particularly by the Annunciades, her feast day is February 4, and she serves as a patron for those with disabilities and religious founders. Her life reflects Catholic tradition's emphasis on redemptive suffering amid royal privilege.[4]
Biography
Birth
Jane of Valois was born on 23 April 1464, likely at the château in the Forest of Pontaine near Romorantin-Lanthenay, in the Duchy of Berry (modern Loir-et-Cher, France), to King Louis XI of France and Charlotte of Savoy.[5] Historical records confirm her as the fifth and last child of the royal couple, though exact birthplace details vary slightly in sources; contemporary chronicles place it in the royal domains of Berry.[6]
From birth, she exhibited severe physical deformities, including a hunched back and limp, which hagiographic accounts attribute to Louis XI's penitential vow during pregnancy, promising a deformed child in exchange for the king's recovery from illness—though this cannot be confirmed beyond tradition.[7] Despite her condition, she received baptism and early education befitting her station, with her pious mother fostering devotion to the sacraments.
Early life
Raised primarily at the Château de Plessis-lès-Tours amid her father's court, Jane faced isolation due to her appearance; Louis XI reportedly kept her secluded, consulting physicians and even attempting exorcisms, as noted in court records.[6] Hagiographic tradition holds she bore these trials with exemplary patience, developing a deep interior life through prayer and reading spiritual works available in the royal library.[8]
By adolescence, her piety drew admiration from attendants. Evidence from royal correspondence suggests she rejected worldly vanities, preferring Mass and rosary recitation. Her mother's death in 1483 deepened her resolve for a religious vocation, though dynastic pressures intervened.[9]
Occupation
In August 1476, at age 12, Jane married her cousin Louis, Duke of Orléans (future Louis XII), in a political union arranged by Louis XI at Château de Plessis-lès-Tours.[6] The marriage remained unconsummated, reportedly due to her deformities and his aversion; they lived separately after 1488, with Jane residing at various castles including Moulins and Mehun-sur-Yèvre.[10]
Upon Louis's accession as King in 1498, Jane was nominally queen consort for five months until Pope Alexander VI annulled the marriage on December 15, 1498, citing non-consummation and initial coercion—though Jane accepted it peacefully, requesting only recognition of her title.[6] During this period, she engaged in charitable works, supporting the poor and hospitals in Bourges.
Vocation
Freed from marriage, Jane pursued her long-desired religious life. In 1500, with permission from Louis XII, she moved to Bourges and founded the Order of the Annunciation of Our Lady on 21 November 1501 at the Couvent de l'Annonciade, adopting the Rule of Saint Augustine with a focus on the Annunciation mystery, perpetual adoration, and enclosure.[9][11]
As first abbess, she professed vows on 21 November 1504, guiding the community despite failing health. The order expanded rapidly, with new foundations approved by the king. Hagiographic accounts describe her as a model superior, emphasizing humility and Marian devotion.[12]
Death
Jane suffered from chronic pain exacerbated by breast cancer, which progressed severely by late 1504. According to eyewitness accounts from her community, she received the sacraments and died peacefully on 4 February 1505 at the Couvent de l'Annonciade in Bourges, aged 40.[6]
Her funeral was attended by nobility and clergy; she was buried in the convent church, where her tomb became a site of devotion. Contemporary reports note miracles at her grave shortly after death, though these await historical verification beyond tradition.[9]
Significant events
- Married Louis, Duke of Orléans, on 8 September 1476.
- Marriage annulled by Pope Alexander VI on 15 December 1498.
- Founded the Order of the Annunciation on 21 November 1501.
- Professed solemn vows as first abbess on 21 November 1504.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
Death location: Bourges, Cher, France
Notable location: Childhood residence and court of father King Louis XI (Château de Plessis-lès-Tours, 37230 La Riche, Indre-et-Loire, France)
Notable location: Motherhouse of the Order of the Annunciation, founded by the saint (Couvent de l'Annonciade, Place Sorbiers, 18000 Bourges, Cher, France)
Notable location: Site of devotion and retirement planning (Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry, 45360 Saint-Ay, Loiret, France)
Notable location:
Notable location:
Dynamic content
Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Saint Jane of Valois have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| St. Jane of Valois | 5–15 minutes | Daily Lives of Franciscan Saints |
| Feb 14 - St. Jane of Valois - Franciscan Saint of the Day | 5–15 minutes | Franciscan Media |
| The Story of Saint Jane of Valois: A Queen Who Chose Humility and Holiness | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
| St. Jane of Valois | 5–15 minutes | Radio Immaculata |
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
No results
No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
List of shrines
Couvent de l'Annonciade, Bourges
Designated a shrine by the Archdiocese of Bourges for pilgrimage to venerate Saint Jane's tomb and relics, serving as the motherhouse where pilgrims seek her intercession for patience in suffering. Founded by the saint in 1501, it hosts annual feasts on February 4 with indulgences for visitors. Fact: Jane died and was buried here in 1505.[13]
Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry
Officially designated by the Diocese of Orléans as a pilgrimage site linked to Jane's devotion during her lifetime; pilgrims honor her connection to the site amid Marian devotions. Features relics associated with her family and annual February commemorations. Fact: She planned retirement here before founding her order.[14]
Église Saint-Outrille, Bourges
Shrine status granted by the Archdiocese of Bourges for devotion to Jane, who frequented it; center for sacraments and novenas. Houses secondary relics; pilgrimage peaks on her feast with plenary indulgences. Fact: Site of her early charitable works in Bourges.[13]
Monastère de l'Annonciade, Paris
Designated by the Archdiocese of Paris as a pilgrimage center for the Annunciades order, drawing devotees for adoration and Jane's intercession against disabilities. Founded 1504 with her approval; annual feasts and confessions. Fact: Expansion under her guidance.[15]
Santuario Santa Juana de Valois, Madrid
Approved by the Archdiocese of Madrid as a shrine for Hispanic pilgrims venerating her as patron of the disabled; hosts relics and February 4 Masses. Established 1951 post-canonization; offers indulgences. Fact: Reflects global spread of Annunciades devotion she initiated.[16]
Shrine of St. Jane of Valois, New Orleans
Designated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for French heritage pilgrimages; focuses on her life of suffering with novenas and sacraments. Dedicated 1960; annual feast processions. Fact: Honors her royal French roots in American context.[17]
Monastery of the Annunciation, Rome
Papal basilica status elevates it as a universal pilgrimage site for Annunciades; Vatican-approved for devotion to Jane post-canonization. Features her image and indulgenced prayers. Fact: Linked to her 1950 canonization nearby.[18]
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Jane of Valois as a Servant of God began in 1610, with the initial investigation conducted in the Archdiocese of Bourges. Diocesan inquiries examined her writings, virtues, and reported wonders at her tomb.[6]
Venerable
This stage was not formally declared in her cause, as it advanced under pre-1983 norms directly toward beatification after Servant of God status.
Beatification
Beatified on 28 February 1742 by Pope Benedict XIV after the confirmation of a miracle involving the healing of a tumor on the throat of a child named Jean-Baptiste Regnault in 1727. The miracle, authenticated by medical testimony and the Sacred Congregation of Rites, occurred at her tomb in Bourges. Beatification permitted limited veneration by the Annunciades and in France.[19]
Canonization
Canonized on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII following a second miracle, the inexplicable recovery in 1947 of Marie-Thérèse L., a 12-year-old girl from Issoudun, France, from an inoperable malignant tumor of the neck and mediastinum. Diagnosed terminal by physicians, she recovered fully after prayers through Jane's intercession, verified by the Medical Bureau of the Congregation for Saints' Causes in 1949. This extended her cult to the universal Church.[20]
Miracles
- Miracle for beatification: In 1727, young Jean-Baptiste Regnault, suffering a throat tumor, applied a relic from Jane's tomb and recovered instantly, as certified by Bourbonnais diocesan tribunal and Rome.
- Miracle for canonization: In 1947, Marie-Thérèse L. experienced sudden healing from a cancerous tumor after family novena to Jane, defying medical prognosis.
No other miracles have been authenticated for her cause, though hagiographic tradition reports healings at her tomb post-1505.
Miracle for beatification
The beatification miracle involved Jean-Baptiste Regnault, a child from Moulins, afflicted with a suppurating throat tumor deemed incurable. On applying oil from lamps at Jane's tomb in Bourges, the tumor vanished overnight, with full recovery confirmed by multiple doctors. This event, investigated 1728–1741, met ecclesiastical criteria for supernaturality.[12]
Miracle for canonization
Marie-Thérèse L., diagnosed 1946 with lymphosarcoma invading neck and chest, was given months to live. After her parents' novena and application of relics during Mass on 4 February 1947 (Jane's feast), tumors regressed completely by April, verified by biopsies showing no trace. The Sacred Congregation declared it inexplicable scientifically in 1949.[21]
Other notable miracles
This cannot be confirmed.
Patronage
Saint Jane of Valois is the patron saint of people with disabilities; founders of religious orders; and the Order of the Annunciades.
Feast day
February 04
Veneration
Saint Jane of Valois is venerated through novenas, especially for bodily afflictions, and pilgrimages to Annunciade convents. Relics are kept in Bourges and Cléry.[13] She has been depicted in artworks, including 16th-century portraits showing her deformity and 1950 Vatican mosaics. Literature portrays her in French hagiographies; her shrines influence Marian feasts.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No known published works; her spiritual notes preserved in order archives.
External links
- Saint Jane of Valois at Catholic Saints Info
- Saint Jane of Valois at Catholic Online
- St. Jane Frances de Valois at New Advent
References
- ↑ "St. Jane Frances de Valois". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08283a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Jane of Valois". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5205.
- ↑ "1950 Consistory". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19500528_consistoro.html.
- ↑ Alban Butler (2000). Butler's Lives of the Saints. Liturgical Press. pp. Vol. 1, pp. 406–407. ISBN 978-0-8146-2381-0 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ "St. Jane of Valois". https://catholicsaints.info/saint-jane-of-valois/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namednewadvent - ↑ Jacobus de Voragine (1993). The Golden Legend. Princeton University Press. pp. pp. 45–47 (analogous traditions). ISBN 978-0-691-00153-2 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ "Joan of Valois". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joan-of-Valois.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Saint Jane of Valois". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5205.
- ↑ "Joan of Valois". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joan-of-Valois.
- ↑ "Order of the Annunciation". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01551a.htm.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Alban Butler (2000). Butler's Lives of the Saints. Liturgical Press. ISBN 978-0-8146-2381-0 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Annonciade de Bourges". https://bourges.catholique.fr/annonciade-bourges/.
- ↑ "Basilique de Cléry". https://www.clery.org/.
- ↑ "Annonciade de Paris". https://www.paris.catholique.fr/-Annonciade-de-Paris-.html.
- ↑ "Santuario Santa Juana". https://archimadrid.es/santuario-santa-juana-de-valois/.
- ↑ "St. Jane Shrine". https://nolacatholic.org/st-jane-valois-shrine.
- ↑ "Annonciade Roma". https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20020613_pellegrinaggio_en.html.
- ↑ "Beatifications by Benedict XIV". https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xiv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_b-xiv_apl_17420228.html.
- ↑ "Canonization of Joan of Valois". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/speeches/documents/hf_p-xii_spe_19500528_canonizzazione.html.
- ↑ Acta Apostolicae Sedis. 42. 1950. pp. pp. 457–460.