Saint of the Day: St. Francis de Sales

Bishop and Doctor of the Church (1567-1622)

His life

+ As a child, Francis showed great interest in ecclesiastical life and received the tonsure at the age of eleven (marking his status as a cleric). After studying philosophy and theology in Paris, he traveled to Padua and was awarded doctorates in both civil and canon law.

+ Following his ordination, Francis was made provost of the Swiss diocese of Geneva and began a lifelong mission among the predominantly Calvinist population of the diocese; he was named bishop of Geneva in 1602.

+ In 1609, Francis composed his famous Introduction to the Devout Life and, in 1610, he founded the Order of the Visitation with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal.

+ In an age of fanaticism and religious controversy, Francis manifested exceptional discretion, prudence, and meekness. His letters of spiritual direction and sermons marked a turning point in spirituality for the common person.

+ Saint Francis de Sales died in 1622 and was canonized in 1665. He is honored as the patron of Catholic writers and publishers.

For prayer and reflection

“The life of St Francis de Sales was a relatively short life but was lived with great intensity. The figure of this Saint radiates an impression of rare fullness, demonstrated in the serenity of his intellectual research, but also in the riches of his affection and the “sweetness” of his teachings, which had an important influence on the Christian conscience.”—Saint Francis de Sales

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember Blessed Marie Poussepin, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation. Blessed Marie died on January 24, 1744, in Sainville, France, and was beatified in 1994.

Vocations

In 1876, a French priest, Blessed Louis Brisson, established a new religious community inspired by the life and spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales. Called to this work by Venerable Mary de Sales Chappuis and the Visitation nuns of Troyes, France, he named the new community “The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.” Father Brisson and Saint Leonie Aviat also founded a women’s branch of the community: The Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales.

Prayer

O God, who for the salvation of souls
willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales
become all things to all,
graciously grant that, following his example,
we may always display the gentleness of your charity
in the service of our neighbor.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.