Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac's Canonization

This year, we commemorate a truly remarkable milestone - the 75th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. As the founder of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, her profound legacy in education and devotion to the betterment of society continues to inspire and lead us as it has done for over 400 years.

Her dedication to empowering girls, women and, consequently, families through education still resonates in the world today, and her unwavering commitment to serve the needy shines as a beacon of selflessness. It is our responsibility to continue to uphold her principles and teachings in our daily lives and strive to Live Like Jeanne.

Let us celebrate this anniversary milestone by spreading love, hope, and wisdom - values that Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac held close to her heart. May her saintly journey inspire us to live a life rooted in faith and service, and may her light guide us on our path towards creating a more compassionate world. 

About the Company of Mary

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School is quite unique in that many of the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady who owns and operates the school are a visible presence in administration, supervision on the playground, and in the classroom alongside their lay collaborators. The Sisters are also active in the kitchen, the extra-curricular activities of the school, and the daycare program.

Who actually was this special saint? The Sisters’ order, founded by Jeanne de Lestonnac is over 400 years old and was established at a time when girls did not have the opportunity to have a formal education in a school environment. Jeanne was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1556. She was the niece of the famed humanist French philosopher, Michel de Montaigne. For 24 years she faithfully lived the vocation of loving wife and mother to five children. After the death of her husband, she felt God’s call again to the religious life. Jeanne de Lestonnac founded an order of nuns approved by Pope Pius V in 1607 to provide formal education for girls.

Today the Sisters of the Company of Mary’s mission as educators is expressed in the Educational Project of The Company of Mary and a variety of ministries in 26 countries. The Company of Mary schools serves over 60,000 students worldwide from preschool through university.

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