Jeanne de Lestonnac [SEP] canonization status
Jeanne de Lestonnac
Jeanne de Lestonnac, O.D.N., (December 27, 1556 – February 2, 1640), alternately known as Joan of Lestonnac, was a Roman Catholic saint and foundress of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, in 1607. The new institute, approved by Paul V in 1607, was the first religious order of women-teachers approved by the Church. Her feast day is May 15.
Biography.
Biography Early years.
De Lestonnac was born in Bordeaux in 1556 to
of 17 De Lestonnac married Gaston de Montferrant, with whom she had eight children, three of whom died in infancy. She was married for 24 years when her husband died. This marked the beginning of a very painful period in her life, with the further loss, within seven months, of her father, uncle and eldest son.
Biography Religious life.
Following her husband's death, St. Jeanne De Lestonnac, at the age of 46, and with her children now grown, turned to a contemplative life and