From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

February 4th - St. Joan of Valois

Joan of Valois (1464-1505) was the second daughter of Louis XI, King
of France. She was betrothed to Louis, Duke of Orleans, and the
marriage took place in 1476. On her husband's succession to the
throne, he obtained a declaration that the marriage was invalid. She
later founded the Order of the Annunciation.


Comments of the late Prof. Plinio Corr=C3=AAa de Oliveira: (died 1995)

Joan of Valois was a lady extraordinarily ugly and deformed. Because
of her ugliness her husband despised her at a time when the spirit of
frivolity had already begun to grow, giving origin to the cult to
beauty of our days. Her husband, who became King of France, refused to
live with her. Her father, the King Louis XI, was also ashamed to be
with her, and only visited her a few times a year.

Placed in this situation of general scorn, she demonstrated a very
commendable virtue, that is, she remained secure and confident. She
maintained a great dignity and composure that came from an indomitable
state of spirit. In effect she responded like this to her situation:

=E2=80=9CThe reason why people despise me is not a valid one. For the value=
of
a person comes not from the beauty of the body, but from the beauty of
the soul. I have value as a princess, a daughter of a king, a wife of
a king and a Catholic, and there is no ugliness that can annul these
values. This is part of the moral order. Men can think whatever they
want, judge whatever they desire, I will behave without arrogance but
in full accordance with my dignity.=E2=80=9D

She never displayed shame over her situation or showed herself
insecure in face of her ugliness. She never allowed herself self-pity
or permitted anyone to look down on her. Even after her marriage was
annulled, she carried her cross peacefully and calmly with her head
raised high. Repudiated as spouse of the King Louis XII, she received
the title of Duchess of Berry and governed over a vast amount of
properties. She also founded a religious order, the Order of the
Annunciation. She gave, therefore, a great meaning to her life, which
was an external expression of her profound moral value. She acquired a
virtue that was heroic, and in acknowledgment of this the Church
raised her to the honor of the altars.

What is the lesson for us?

It means that even when people want to despise us, persecute us, or
annul things that we have a right to, we should remain secure and
certain of our position. For if one knows that he is acting according
to Catholic doctrine, he should have a peaceful conscience. The man
who acts in accordance with Catholic doctrine has nothing to fear or
be ashamed of. Rather, he should be proud of it and self-assured.

Even if the Revolution arrogantly offends or scorns us, our position
should be that of St. Joan of Valois. In face of lies and calumnies,
we should carry ourselves the way she did. We should remind ourselves:

=E2=80=9CThe facts prove that I am acting according to Catholic doctrin=
e.
My conscience tells me that there is nothing to reproach in my action. Therefore, before the eyes of God and his Angels, I can be serene and
peaceful, certain that I will never be despised by them. It does not
matter if men despise me. I have the Catholic Faith and I know that I
am following the truth taught by the true Church. Let others think
what they will, judge what they want, I will not cede one inch of my
position to please them.=E2=80=9D

This is the teaching, the lesson of true human dignity given to us by
St. Joan of Valois.

See:
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j005sdSt.JoanValois2-5.htm


Saint Quote:
We must have confidence in God, Who is what He always has been, and we
must not be disheartened because things turn out contrary to us.
-- St. Philip

Bible Quote:
Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness,
with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your
souls. [Jas 1:21] DRB


<><><><>
Whoever humbleth himself shall be exalted. =E2=80=94Lk. 14:11

"Humility is the mother of many virtues. From it spring obedience,
holy fear, reverence, patience, modesty, mildness, and peace; for,
whoever is humble easily obeys all, fears to offend any, maintains
peace with all, shows himself affable to all, is submissive to all,
does not offend or displease any, and does not feel the insults which
may be inflicted upon him. He lives happy and contented, and in great
peace"
--St. Thomas of Villanova

Here we see the reason why St. Francis, St. Dominic, St. Vincent
de Paul and so many others became remarkable for all the virtues above mentioned. It is because they were remarkable for humility.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal had conceived so much affection for
this virtue, that she watched over herself with the greatest
attention, in order that she might not allow even the smallest
occasion of practicing it to escape. And she once said to St. Francis
de Sales, "My dearest Father, I beg you, for the love of God, help me
to humble myself."

("A Year with the Saints". February - Humility)
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