Saint Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1641) was a French noblewoman who became a nun. Widowed at the age of 28 after the death of her husband Christophe de Rabutin, she devoted herself to charity and prayer. She met Saint Francis de Sales, with whom she founded the Order of the Visitation in 1610, intended for women wishing to lead a religious life without excessive austerity. She established several monasteries and guided her sisters spiritually. Known for her faith and gentleness, she died in 1641. Canonized in 1767, she is the patron saint of widows and those in distress. Her feast day is celebrated on December 12.
