March 31 - Blessed Jane of Toulouse
Born: 13th Century
Died: 1286
Nationality: French
Vocation: Religious
Attributes: Carmelite habit, cross, lily
Canonization: Beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1895
Blessed Jane was born in Toulouse, France sometime during the 13th century. In 1240, a Carmelite monastery of friars was established in Toulouse that familiarized Jane with the Carmelite order.
Jane devoted her life to prayer and asceticism and in 1265, met St. Simon Stock – a noted reformer of the Carmelites. Jane expressed to Simon her desire to follow the Carmelite spirituality and he granted her permission to become the first Carmelite tertiary.
After taking a vow of chastity and living in adherence to the Carmelite rule, Jane worked with the poor and sick in her community. She was known for her gentleness. She also mentored many young men in the town, encouraging them to serve the poor and discern becoming Carmelite friars.
Jane died in 1286 and is considered the foundress of the Third Order Carmelites.
LISTEN TO TODAY’S EPISODE OF ZEALE’S ‘MY DAILY SAINT’ HERE