Jeanne de Valois, daughter of Louis XI of France (b. 1464)

Saint Joan of France: A Life Transformed from Queenship to Sanctity

Born on 23 April 1464, Jeanne de France, also known as Jeanne de Valois, was a figure of profound faith and resilience in 15th-century France. The daughter of King Louis XI and Charlotte of Savoy, Joan's early life was marked by challenges, as she was born with physical deformities that led her father to largely disregard her and raise her away from the royal court. Despite these difficulties, her spiritual devotion grew, shaping the extraordinary path her life would take.

Brief Reign as Queen Consort of France

Joan's destiny intertwined with the French monarchy when she briefly served as Queen of France, the wife of King Louis XII. Her marriage to Louis, the Duke of Orléans at the time, was arranged by her father, King Louis XI, as early as 1476. Upon the unexpected death of her brother, King Charles VIII, in April 1498, Louis XII ascended to the throne, making Joan his Queen. However, this period of queenship was short-lived. Louis XII, determined to secure the strategically vital Duchy of Brittany by marrying Charles VIII's widow, Anne of Brittany, sought to annul his marriage to Joan. The annulment was granted by Pope Alexander VI in December 1498 on grounds of non-consummation and Louis's alleged lack of consent to the marriage, claiming he was forced into it by Joan's father. This controversial papal decision, heavily influenced by political expediency, allowed Louis XII to marry Anne of Brittany and consolidate the French crown's hold over Brittany.

Founding the Order of the Annunciation of Mary (Annonciades)

Following the annulment, Joan of France did not despair but instead embraced a life of intense spiritual devotion. She retired to her own domains, primarily in Bourges, a city she chose due to its spiritual significance and the support of its archbishop. Here, she fully dedicated herself to her religious vocation. In 1501, with the assistance of her confessor, Father Gabriel-Maria, she founded a new contemplative order for women: the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary (Ordo de Annuntiatione Beatae Mariae Virginis), commonly known as the Annonciades. This order, inspired by the virtues of the Virgin Mary, particularly her humility and obedience at the Annunciation, received papal approval from Pope Alexander VI. Joan herself served as the first abbess, laying down a strict rule focused on prayer, adoration, and contemplation, making the Annonciades a significant force in the spiritual revival of the early 16th century.

The Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation: A Branch of Service

While Saint Joan's original foundation, the Annonciades, remained a contemplative order, her spiritual legacy extended into active service centuries later. From this original order, a distinct religious congregation known as the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation (Soeurs de l'Annonciade Apostolique) emerged. Founded in 1787 by Father Gabriel-Maria, this congregation adopted an active apostolate, focusing specifically on the education and spiritual formation of poor children. Their mission was particularly vital during a period of significant social upheaval leading up to the French Revolution, demonstrating a commitment to charitable works that complemented the contemplative spirit of Joan's initial foundation.

Canonization and Enduring Sainthood

Joan of France's life of humility, perseverance, and profound faith eventually led to her recognition as a saint within the Roman Catholic Church. She was beatified on 21 June 1742 by Pope Benedict XIV. Nearly two centuries later, her sanctity was formally acknowledged through canonization on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Today, she is widely venerated as Saint Joan of Valois, often identified by the post-nominal initials O.Ann.M., signifying her affiliation with the Order of the Annunciation of Mary. Her feast day is celebrated on 4 February, the anniversary of her death. Saint Joan is regarded as a patroness of those experiencing difficult marriages, abandoned people, and handicapped individuals, due to the personal struggles she overcame.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Joan of France

Who was Joan of France?

Joan of France, also known as Jeanne de France or Jeanne de Valois (1464-1505), was briefly Queen of France as the wife of King Louis XII. She is most renowned for founding the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary after her marriage was annulled, and she was later canonized as Saint Joan of Valois.

Why was Joan of France's marriage annulled?

Her marriage to Louis XII was annulled by Pope Alexander VI in 1498, primarily for political reasons. Louis XII wished to marry Anne of Brittany to secure the Duchy of Brittany for the French crown. The stated grounds for annulment were non-consummation and Louis's alleged lack of free consent to the marriage, claiming he was forced by Joan's father, King Louis XI.

What religious order did Saint Joan of France found?

After her annulment, Saint Joan of France founded the contemplative Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary (Annonciades) in Bourges in 1501. This order, focused on prayer and contemplation, continues to exist today.

What is the difference between the Annonciades and the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation?

The Annonciades are a contemplative order founded by Saint Joan of France in 1501, dedicated to prayer and adoration. The Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation are a separate, active religious congregation founded in 1787 that sprung from the Annonciade spirit, focusing on charitable works, particularly teaching poor children.

When was Joan of France canonized?

Joan of France was canonized as a saint on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII, nearly 450 years after her death.