Stunning antique French relic from the 1800's. This is an original piece. Written in latin and translated this piece is a relic with the cross made from the coffin of Saint Joahua Francifca Fremoit de Chnatal. This piece is in EXCELLENT condition and is the perfect addition to any collection or the beginning of a new one. This is a large piece measuring 6.75" x 5.25" and it is meant to be hung on the wall.
Jane Frances de Chantal, VHM (born
Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot, Baroness of Chantal; 28 January 1572 – 13 December 1641) was a
French Catholic noble widow and nun who was
beatified in 1751 and
canonized in 1767. She founded the
Order of the Visitation of Holu Mary. The religious order accepted women who were rejected by other orders because of poor health or age.
When people criticized her, Chantal famously said, "What do you want me to do? I like sick people myself; I'm on their side." During its first eight years, the new order also was unusual in its public outreach, in contrast to most female religious who remained cloistered and adopted strict ascetic practices.
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Latin -
Joannes-Petrus Biord episcopus et princeps genevensis
praefentes litteras infpecluris notum facimus & atteftamur hanc crucem figillo noftro munitaun , vittae appenfam effe confectam e ligno feretri sanctae joahuae francifcae fremiot de chantal, ordinis monialium a vifitatione sanctae marie nuncupatarum fundatricis. In quorum fidem eas a nobis fubfcriptas, noftroque sigillo munitas per infra fcriptum secretarium noftrum expediri mandavimus. Annecii die 25 menfis juli anno millefimo fepting entefimo fexagefimo feptimo.
Translated -
John-Peter Biord, bishop and prince of Geneva the prefects of the letters of the Infpeclur, we make known and acknowledge this cross with the clay of the noftro munitaun, with blue ribbons, made of the wood of the coffin of Saint Joahua Francifca Fremiot de Chantal, founder of the order of nuns from the revival of Saint Mary Nuncupates. In whose trust you have secured them from us, and under our seal, we have ordered them to be forwarded by our undersigned secretary. Annecius on the 25th day of July in the year of the thousandth year.
A little more history -
Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal was the foundress of the Order of the Visitation of Mary. She was born in 1572 and came from a noble family, her father gave her in marriage to the Baron von Chantal in 1592. As mother she most zealously instructed the children in the ways of virtue and piety and in the observance of every divine precept. With great generosity she supported the poor and took special joy in seeing how divine Providence often blesses and increases the smallest larder. Therefore she made a vow never to refuse anyone who asked for alms in the Name of Christ.
The death of her husband, who was accidentally shot while on the chase (1601), she bore with Christ-like composure and with all her heart forgave the person who had killed him; then she acted as sponsor for one of his children in order to show her forgiveness openly. There was a holy friendship between her and her spiritual guide, Francis de Sales; with his approval she left her father and children and founded the Visitation nuns.
Thus, too, it should be with us—firm yet forgiving, and each at the proper place and in the proper measure. Our zeal must not make us hard, fanatic; neither may love degenerate into sentimentalism. In fundamentals, in faith, and in the commandments we must be firm, immovable, with no trace of tolerance; but in our contacts with men, patient, forgiving, tender, conciliatory. The Christian ought be firm and resolute as a father, mild and self-sacrificing as a mother. This tension between complementary virtues we find exemplified in a heroic degree in St. Jane Frances de Chantal.
