Ana and the French

Abstract

Ana de San Bartolomé (García) was reluctant to go to France, in part because of the opposition of Ana de Jesús, but she eventually accepted the challenge. Shortly afterward, Pierre de Bérulle ordered her to take the black veil and become prioress of a new convent in Pontoise. A conflict developed between her and Ana de Jesús over several issues, particularly the admission of Catholic converts from Protestantism into the order. Around 1610, Ana de San Bartolomé had a serious falling-out with Bérulle, who became abusive toward her. Finally, at the end of 1611, she left France for Mons. During her years in France and Antwerp, Gallicisms began to creep into Ana’s language.