Our Foundress
DOLE, FRANCE
JUNE 16, 1606
Anne De Xainctonge was born on 21st November 1567 at Dijon in France, into a deeply religious and aristocratic Catholic family. As the eldest child, she had one brother and two sisters. Indeed, she enjoyed a privileged upbringing and a happy childhood. She grew up in a healthy and holy atmosphere marked by family prayer, Bible reading, shared meals, and daily participation in the Eucharist. It is said that kneeling beside her father, she learned to meditate and pray.
When she became seriously ill at the age of twelve, doctors were unable to heal the severe infection in her ear. When her parents asked for her last wish, she expressed her desire to attend the Eucharist. With great devotion, she participated in the Mass, trying to sit up during the consecration. At that very moment, the inflammation burst, the fluid drained out, and she felt relieved. She gradually recovered completely. This profound spiritual experience strengthened her desire to live a dedicated life of sacrifice for Christ and for others. Anne received an integral education and formation from her parents, who also encouraged her to seek spiritual guidance from Jesuit priests
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As the eldest child, Anne had to shoulder certain responsibilities from a young age. As a teenager, she was put in charge of a farmhouse far from her hometown and parents. She proved to be orderly and responsible. During her stay there, she came into contact with many ignorant and less privileged girls and women of her time. In her free moments, she taught them housekeeping skills, various crafts, and catechism. She also realized that boys had far better educational opportunities than girls. A strong desire arose in her heart to educate girls and women.
Her Spiritual Life and Mission
Anne continued her life of prayer, sacrifice, frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and spiritual direction, patiently waiting for clarity about her vocation and mission.
Near her hometown, Dijon, she would often see Jesuit priests educating boys and teaching catechism in the church. A deep desire grew within her to educate girls and women in a similar manner. In those days, only a limited number of girls from wealthy families received basic training in reading, writing, and housekeeping, mostly in cloistered convents and private homes.
Anne was ready to undergo any sacrifice for the mission of Christ. However, as was customary in privileged families, her parents took her to arranged evening parties and insisted that she wear expensive ornaments and lavish dresses, though she had little interest in them. When she expressed to her spiritual director her desire to teach catechism in the church, the priest refused, saying that her style of dressing was not suitable for such work. From then on, Anne began wearing simple clothes.
Anne was ready to undergo any sacrifice for the mission of Christ. However, as was customary in privileged families, her parents took her to arranged evening parties and insisted that she wear expensive ornaments and lavish dresses, though she had little interest in them. When she expressed to her spiritual director her desire to teach catechism in the church, the priest refused, saying that her style of dressing was not suitable for such work. From then on, Anne began wearing simple clothes.
Eventually, her parents arranged a lavish marriage proposal with a prominent lawyer from Dijon, but Anne clearly told them that she was not interested in marriage, and they respected her decision.
Her Religious Vocation
This was a time of political unrest in Europe, with continuous conflict between France and Spain, and between Protestants and Catholics. Anne’s father, a strong and active parliamentarian in the French government, often discussed political affairs at the dinner table.
One day, Anne revealed to her parents her desire to begin a congregation to live a consecrated life and open a formal school for girls. Her father was very supportive and promised every possible assistance. Filled with gratitude, Anne rushed to the church to express her thanks in prayer. During this prayer, she strongly felt an inner voice urging her to begin the mission in Dole, a territory under Spanish rule.
Initially, she tried to ignore this thought, as it seemed impossible to start a mission in enemy territory. But the inspiration grew stronger. Confused and troubled, she sought to consult her spiritual director, only to learn that the Jesuit priests had been forced to leave the country after being falsely accused of murder by loyalists of the Protestant king. This further deepened her confusion.
Anne returned home disappointed but continued her prayer, spiritual reading, and sacrifice. Gradually, she became more silent, contributing little to family conversations. She had already shared her inner experience and inspiration with her mother, and her father was aware as well
One day, while her father spoke about supporting the reigning king and asked for family agreement, Anne gave a neutral response. This angered him, and he said she was free to leave the house if she wished. Anne took this as permission and began preparing to leave Dijon for her mission.
Mission Journey from Dijon to Dole
At daybreak on 29th November 1596, Anne left for Dole, accompanied by her faithful maid, Margaret. Upon arriving, she felt God guiding her steps as she explained her mission to a Jesuit priest, who directed her to Mount Roland, to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where some women were waiting for a leader to begin a teaching mission.
However, Anne soon faced intense opposition from her father, mistrust from the local people, and constant obstacles. After prolonged persecution, suffering, and misunderstanding, she fell gravely ill. Once again, God restored her health and reconciled her with her parents. People began to admire her and called her the “Angel of Dole.” Her first companion, Claudine Boisset, remained faithfully by her side.
years of misunderstanding and suffering. Her father invited her back to Dijon for recovery, promising that she could return to Dole afterward. Obediently, she went home. Influential priests and theologians attempted to persuade her to begin the mission in Dijon instead, but Anne firmly defended her God-given mission. She explained that her work was aligned with the needs of the Church and society. After one year, she returned to Dole with her parents’ blessings.
Anne returned home disappointed but continued her prayer, spiritual reading, and sacrifice. Gradually, she became more silent, contributing little to family conversations. She had already shared her inner experience and inspiration with her mother, and her father was aware as well
With companions who shared her inspiration and vision, Anne founded the Society of St. Ursula on 16th June 1606. She established its foundational principles: the spirituality of St. Ignatius, Christian education of girls and women, no enclosure, and her chosen motto: “Jesus Christ is my Life, Death is my Gain.”
Spirituality of Our Foundress
Spirituality is a lived experience. Christian life is a journey of grace and growth. Spirituality arises from experiencing God’s unconditional love, which leads to transformation.
From the beginning, Anne’s spiritual directors were Jesuit priests, and consequently, her life was deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality. When the congregation was founded, its constitutions were written based on the Ignatian rule. She insisted that God is present in the world and active in our daily lives. She was keenly aware of how God guided her at every step. This is evident in her teaching: “To enkindle the fire of devotion in others, our own must be living and profound.”
years of misunderstanding and suffering. Her father invited her back to Dijon for recovery, promising that she could return to Dole afterward. Obediently, she went home. Influential priests and theologians attempted to persuade her to begin the mission in Dijon instead, but Anne firmly defended her God-given mission. She explained that her work was aligned with the needs of the Church and society. After one year, she returned to Dole with her parents’ blessings.
Anne returned home disappointed but continued her prayer, spiritual reading, and sacrifice. Gradually, she became more silent, contributing little to family conversations. She had already shared her inner experience and inspiration with her mother, and her father was aware as well
With companions who shared her inspiration and vision, Anne founded the Society of St. Ursula on 16th June 1606. She established its foundational principles: the spirituality of St. Ignatius, Christian education of girls and women, no enclosure, and her chosen motto: “Jesus Christ is my Life, Death is my Gain.”
1. Prayer Life
Mother Anne began her day with meditation and insisted on the examination of conscience. Prayer nourishes our union with God, helps us understand ourselves, and awakens our inner resources. She emphasised Scripture reading, reflection, participation in the Eucharist, and days of recollection. When we miss prayer, we miss life.
2. Humility
The first degree is recognizing the greatness of God and our own nothingness, giving Him praise for all our achievements.
The second degree is expressing this awareness in word and action.
he third degree is the humility of Jesus Christ—accepting insults, contempt, and humiliation for love of Him.
3. Poverty
For Anne, poverty meant total dependence on God and trust in Divine Providence. It reminds religious sisters to live simply, prioritize values, and practice solidarity with the poor. She advised not to seek comfort but to remain content with what is necessary.
4. Chastity
According to Mother Anne, chastity helps one live a life focused on God, remaining aware of His constant presence. Purity of mind and heart must reflect in thoughts, actions, behaviour, and modest dressing. Chastity brings inner freedom and effectiveness in mission.
5. Obedience
Mother Anne taught that with deep faith and love for God, the vow of obedience becomes easier. She presented the example of Jesus, who obeyed Pilate even during His excruciating passion, saying: “You would have no authority over me unless it were given from above.”
Obedience is also a mutual dialogue in decision-making. By this vow, we surrender our life to God and collaborate in building His Kingdom.
Conclusion
Reflecting deeply on her life, Anne De Xainctonge emerges as a remarkable woman of faith. Her depth, vision, and spirituality are truly inspiring. Today we speak of tolerance, avoiding corporal punishment, giving personal attention to students, understanding their family background, and correcting them with gentleness. Over 420 years ago, Mother Anne had already envisioned and implemented all these principles through a well-planned educational system
She was indeed a great and unmatched woman of her time.
Today, Mother Anne counts on you and me.
Sr. Prema SU
