In the early 13th century, the future St. Francis was causing a stir in Assisi, drawing the interest of many, including a young woman of noble birth named Clare. Drawn to the Lord through Francis’ preaching at a Lenten mission, she left her parents’ home because she felt God calling her to live like Francis and his followers. She eventually established her own order, the Poor Clares, and is the first woman to write a rule of life for religious sisters. Learn more about the female saint of Assisi, whose feast is celebrated Aug. 11, in “St. Clare of Assisi: Light From the Cloister” by Bret Thoman, OFS, or “St. Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl,” a graphic novel for young readers.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal was born in Dijon, France, in 1572 and was the spiritual daughter of St. Francis de Sales. Like St. Clare, St. Jane Frances was drawn to the Lenten preaching of a holy man named Francis. Francis de Sales’ spiritual direction helped Jane through the difficult circumstances she faced after losing her husband. Their spiritual friendship bore fruit again when they founded the Order of the Visitation together. In honor of St. Jane Frances’ Aug. 12 feast day, learn from their friendship in “Wisdom from the Lives and Letters of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de Chantal” by Louise Perrotta.