January 24
Saint Francis de Sales
Bishop, Theologian
Doctor of the Church
(1567 – 1622)
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about redeeming them—every day begin anew.”
Saint Francis de Sales
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Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Francis was born at the Château de Sales in Savoy (in what is today Thorens-Glières, Haute-Savoie, France) on August 21, 1567, and on the following day was baptized in the parish church of Thorens under the name of Francis Bonaventura. He was the eldest of twelve children born to François de Boisy and Françoise de Sionnz, both members of a well-placed Savoyard family. As a child, Francis was frail and delicate, but very intelligent, humble, kind, loving, patient and gentle, obedient, and truthful.
Initially, Francis’s parents had high aspirations for him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and continue the family’s influence and power. He began his education at La Roche and Annecy in France, where he was taught by Jesuits. At the age of 13, Francis attended the Collège de Clermont in Paris, France, one of the great learning centers of the world, to study rhetoric and humanities. As a nobleman, Francis was accompanied by his servant and by a priest tutor, Abbé Déage.
In 1586, Francis attended a theological discussion about predestination and experienced a crisis of faith, fearing that he was predestined for damnation. This deep-seated fear caused him to fall ill and be confined to bed. However, in January 1587, while attending the Church of Saint Stephen, he had a spiritual breakthrough, surrendering his anxieties to God and dedicating his life to serving Him.
After this transformative experience, Francis pursued studies in law and theology at the University of Padua, Italy, where he obtained a doctorate in both fields. He made a pilgrimage to Loreto, Italy and then returned back to Savoy, where he took up a position as a Senate advocate. However, Francis received a powerful message telling him to “Leave all and follow Me,” which he interpreted as a calling to the priesthood. Despite strong opposition from his family, particularly when he declined a arranged marriage, Francis remained steadfast in his vocation, devoting himself to a life of prayer. His gentle ways won over the family and he was ordained a priest in 1593.
Provost of Geneva
That same year, Francis was appointed provost of the diocese of Geneva, Switzerland, which was known as a stronghold of Calvinists. Throughout his time in this role, he became known for his exceptional preaching, writing, and spiritual guidance. His clear and concise explanations of Catholic doctrine, along with his gentle approach, led many individuals who had strayed from the Roman Church to return. Francis even developed a system of sign language to effectively communicate the message to the deaf, earning him the patronage of the deaf community.
Bishop of Geneva
Recognizing his gifts as a spiritual leader, Francis was consecrated as the Bishop of Geneva in 1602. He embarked on extensive travels, evangelizing across the Duchy of Savoy and working closely with children. It was during this period that he formed a friendship with Saint Vincent de Paul. Despite being offered a wealthy French bishopric, Francis declined the position, choosing instead to continue serving where God had placed him.
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, founder of the Visitation sisters
While preaching in Dijon Francis, Francis noticed a widow Baroness Jane Frances de Chantal listening very attentively to his sermon and spoke to her. Jane wanted Francis to be her spiritual director. At first, he was hesitant. Jane was on a path to mystical union with God and, in directing her, Francis was compelled to follow her and become a mystic himself.
Through a number of coincidences they were given a building in Annecy. Here, in 1610, in collaboration with Saint Jane Francis de Chantal, Francis played a pivotal role in founding the Order of the Visitation Sisters, a religious order dedicated to serving the poor and sick.
His Books
In Francis’ book, The Introduction to the Devout Life, he provides guidance on how “ordinary” people can live holy lives without being too harsh with themselves. That book combined with his other book, the Treatise on the Love of God, became best sellers among the laity. He believed that the key to love of God is prayer: “By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God.”
For busy people of the world, he advised: “Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God.”
The test of prayer is a person’s actions: “To be an angel in prayer and a beast in one’s relations with people is to go lame on both legs.” The worst sins, he believed, are gossip and making judgements: even if we think we do them out of love, we’re actually doing them to make ourselves look better. And we should be as gentle and forgiving with ourselves just as we ought to be with others.
The value of his writings led to his being declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Blessed Pius IX in 1877, and a patron of writers and journalists by Pope Pius XI in 1923.
In addition, Francis was a prolific correspondent demonstrated by his many letters that have survived.
His Death
Francis passed away on December 28, 1622, in Lyon, France, at a convent that he had helped found. His body was laid to rest at the basilica of the Visitation in Annecy, France.
Numerous religious congregations honor him, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, and the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales.
Visual representations of Saint Francis de Sales often depict him as a bald man with a beard, dressed in the robes of a bishop, and holding a book. In some images, he is seen with his heart pierced by thorns, symbolizing his deep devotion to Christ.
Born: August 21, 1567 at Château de Sales, Savoy (France)
Died: December 28, 1622 (Feast Day – Jan 24) age 55 in Lyons, France
Beatified: January 8, 1661 by Pope Alexander VII
Canonized: April 19, 1665 by Pope Alexander VII
Feast Day: January 24
Reflection
Saint Francis de Sales had noble parents that wanted him to be a lawyer and continue his family’s influence and power. God had another plan. Saint Francis de Sales had a deep trust in God’s providence, famously saying, “Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day.” He want on to become a spiritual writer, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church
Do you have a similar trust in God’s plan for you? Today, try to surrender your anxieties and fears to God’s loving care and believing in His goodness.
Prayers
Saint Francis de Sales,
You emphasized the importance of practical spirituality, encouraging all people to seek holiness in their everyday duties.
Guide us as we strive to integrate our faith into our daily lives, turning ordinary actions into acts of love and service to God.
You believed in the universal call to holiness, reminding us that everyone can attain spiritual perfection in their own state of life.
Help us to seek God in all aspects of our lives, striving for sanctity within our unique circumstances and vocations.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.
Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – St. Francis de Sales’ 6 words to hold onto when life is really hard
America Needs Fatima – Saint Francis de Sales
Catholic Exchange – St Francis de Sales: A Beautiful Life for God
Catholic Gentlemen – St. Francis de Sales: A Profile in Courage
Catholic Insight – Saint Francis de Sales and the Joy of Salvation
Catholic Ireland – Jan 24 – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop and Doctor
Catholic Lane – St. Francis of Sales
Catholic News Agency – St. Francis de Sales Feast day: Jan 24
Catholic Online – St. Francis de Sales
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Francis de Sales, Doctor – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Catholic365 – St. Francis de Sales’ Guide to and Prayer for Controlling Anger
CNewsLive – Saint Francis de Sales
Daily Prayers – Francis de Sales
Dynamic Catholic – Saint Francis de Sales
Franciscan Media – Saint Francis de Sales
Independent Catholic News – St Francis of Sales
Jean Lee – Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church & Spiritual Director (1567-1622)
Loyola Press – Saint Francis de Sales Feast day January 24
Melanie Rigney – Francis de Sales
My Catholic Life – Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor
National Catholic Register – From Struggles With Temper to Path of Charity, St. Francis de Sales is a Model for Us All
National Catholic Reporter – Even journalists have a patron saint
New Advent – Pernin, R. (1909). St. Francis de Sales. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Newman Ministry – Saint Francis de Sales
RC Spirituality (Uncle Eddy) – St. Francis de Sales
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church
Roman Catholic Saints – Saint Francis de Sales
Saints Alive – St. Francis de Sales
Saints for Sinners – Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Saint of the Day – January 24 St. Francis de Sales
Salt + Light Media – St. Francis de Sales and the tale of the wise statue
Editions Magnificant – Saint Francis de Sales Bishop, Doctor of the Church (1567-1622)
The Saint Challenge – St. Francis de Sales – January 24
uCatholic – St. Francis de Sales
Video Link
St Francis de Sales – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)