St. Joan de Lestonnac
Infobox
| St. Joan de Lestonnac | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Joan de Lestonnac |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1556 |
| Birthplace | Bordeaux, France |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | February 2, 1640 |
| Death Place | Bordeaux, France |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Notable Location 1 | La Mothe Lusié, France |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | Cistercian Monastery, Toulouse, France |
| Notable Location 2 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 3 | |
| Notable Location 3 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 4 | |
| Notable Location 4 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 5 | |
| Notable Location 5 Coordinates | |
| Beatification Date | May 20, 1900 |
| Beatified by | Pope Leo XIII |
| Beatification Location | Rome, Italy |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | May 15, 1949 |
| Canonized by | Pope Pius XII |
| Canonization Location | Rome, Italy |
| Miracle 1 | Cure of a nun suffering from severe illness |
| Miracle 2 | Healing of a child with a mortal illness |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | May 15 |
| Profession | Nun, Educator, Widow |
| Religious Affiliation | Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady |
| Patronage | Abuse victims, widows, those rejected by religious orders |
| Attributes | Religious habit, book, crucifix |
| Primary Shrine | Chapel of the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady, Bordeaux, France |
| Additional Veneration | |
Page text St. Joan de Lestonnac, also known as Jeanne de Lestonnac, was born into a prominent family in Bordeaux, France, in 1556[1]. She was a mother of seven before becoming a widow and later foundress of the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady, which focused on the education of girls[2]. Her life was marked by the establishment of schools, service during a plague, and her commitment to Catholic education amidst the religious turmoil of her time[3].
Biography
Birth
Joan de Lestonnac was born on December 27, 1556, in Bordeaux, France[1].
Early Life
She grew up in a family where her mother was Calvinist, and her father and uncle were Catholic, influencing her early spiritual life[2].
Occupation
After her husband's death, she managed her estate before dedicating herself to religious life[1].
Vocation
At 46, Joan entered the Cistercian Monastery but left due to health issues. She later founded the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady in 1607[2].
Death
She passed away on February 2, 1640, in Bordeaux, of natural causes[1].
Significant events
- Founded the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady in 1607, focusing on women's education[2].
- Ministered to victims of the plague in Bordeaux[3].
- Established schools in multiple French cities, contributing to Catholic education[2].
Death
St. Joan de Lestonnac died peacefully in Bordeaux in 1640, having lived a life dedicated to education and service.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Joan de Lestonnac as a Servant of God began in the 19th century, with the initial investigation conducted in Bordeaux[2].
Venerable
Declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIII in the late 19th century for her life of heroic virtue[2].
Beatification
Beatified on May 20, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII after confirmation of a miracle[2].
Canonization
Canonized on May 15, 1949, by Pope Pius XII following the confirmation of a second miracle[2].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
The healing of a nun from a severe illness was recognized for her beatification[2].
Miracle for canonization
A child was healed from a mortal illness, which was the miracle credited for her canonization[2].
Other notable miracles
- Miracles reported at her tomb after her death[3].
Patronage
St. Joan de Lestonnac is the patron saint of abuse victims, widows, and those rejected by religious orders[2].
Feast day
Her feast day is celebrated on May 15[2].
Veneration
St. Joan is venerated primarily through the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady, with her relics kept in Bordeaux. She is remembered for her educational contributions and her spirit of charity[2].
Books
Written about the saint
- No specific modern books were listed, but there are hagiographies available[1].
Written by the saint
- Joan de Lestonnac did not leave any written works[1].