Jeanne (Joan) was born June 18, 1660 at Samur in Anjoú, France. She was the youngest of twelve children and her early life was one of self-centeredness, pride and avarice. She was described as bad-tempered and egotistical. Her long widowed mother died when Jeanne was twenty-five and she took over as proprietress of her mother's small store.

Jeanne provided accommodations for pilgrims coming to the shrine of Our Lady of Ardillier. She caused great scandal by opening her shop on Sunday, an unheard of practice in 17th century France. Jeanne's only interest was making herself rich from the pilgrims and she paid no heed to what other's thought or said about her.

At some point Jeanne underwent a conversion and became a changed woman. She began to live a very austere life and apparently in a dream or vision was told that her vocation was to care for the poor.

Jeanne began to care for orphans, taking them into her home. Soon other like-minded women joined Jeanne and the foundation of the Sisters of St. Anne of the Providence of Samur was born. At first she was criticized by many who did not believe in her sincerity, but over time she won their hearts by her unselfish love and care for all those in need.

In 1704 she and her companions were clothed in the religious habit and the order was formally recognized. Soon she was founding other houses also in Brézé and Puy-Notre-Dame. Worn out by her efforts, she died on August 17, 1736 and was canonized in October of 1982.

Jeanne is a wonderful example to us today of the mercy and grace of God to all of his children. He invited Jean to give up her self-centered and avaricious life and instead to dedicate herself to helping others. Jeanne listened and said yes. She gave up her self centered ways and instead of seeking her own comfort and riches, she changed her focus to helping those in need, especially orphaned children, of which there were many. May God grant us the courage and strength to accept that same challenge in our own lives today.

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© 1998 The Monastery of Christ in the Desert