He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. This evening, I shall answer as many as I can. Our Patron Saint. “By giving your self to God, you not only receive Himself in exchange, but eternal life as well.”. Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him, and you shall sail prosperously" Francis de Sales Their remains were venerated there until the French Revolution. That includes Clare of Assisi, Francis' contemporary, who is … He made a pilgrimage to Loreto, Italy, famous for its Basilica Della Santa Casa (Shrine of the Holy House) and then returned home to Savoy. So, I intend neither to hurry or to worry. Jane de Chantal was a dedicated Catholic Christian on her own, as Francis was, but it was only when they became friends they began to become saints. The award -- named for the patron saint of writers and journalists -- recognizes "outstanding contributions to… In 1923, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists, because he made extensive use of broadsheets and books both in spiritual direction and in his efforts to convert the Calvinists of the region. Saint Francis de Sales He is the patron saint of authors, writers, the Catholic Press, journalists, and the deaf. In 1580, Francis attended the University of Paris, and at 24-years-old, he received his doctorate in law at the University of Padua. He forged wonderful alliances with Pope Clement VIII and Henry IV of France, and in 1601 Francis joined Henry IV on a diplomatic mission. St. Francis de Sales Feast Day: January 24th Patron Saint of Journalists, Writers Born in France in 1567, Francis was a patient man. By the time Francis returned home, it is believed he brought 40,000 people to the Catholic Church. The list of his patronage is long, however it does not include – as my husband’s horrible attempt at being funny suggested, that he is the patron of shopping (Get it? Our Patron Saint Born in France in 1567, Francis was a patient man. As local Protestants refused to speak to him or hear him, Francis began writing pamphlets which argued against Calvinism and both nailed them on walls and slipped them under doors. For the commune, see, "Calendarium Romanum" (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 1969), p. 115, Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation, St Francis College, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, Mount de Sales Academy, Catonsville, Maryland, St. Francis de Sales – St. Stephen School, Salesians of Don Bosco (or Society of Saint Francis de Sales), Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint archive, Pernin, Raphael. For three years, he trudged through the countryside, had doors slammed in his face and rocks thrown at him. The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, a society of priests founded in the 20th century, also has St. Francis de Sales as one of their three primary Patrons. St. Francis de Sales is also the patron saint of the deaf. Francis insisted that every Christian was called to holiness and sanctity, lived within their own state in life. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. He created the Order of the Visitation with Saint Jeanne. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. ***Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a list of ALL available blocks. He believed the first duty of a bishop was spiritual direction and wrote to Jane, "So many have come to me that I might serve them, leaving me no time to think of myself. The Salesians of Don Bosco, the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales and the Saint Francois Atoll in the Seychelles Islands are named in his honor. Additionally, St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of adult education. His father was François de Sales, Lord of Boisy, Sales, and Novel. Saint Francis of Sales, also called Francis De Sales, French Saint François De Sales, (born Aug. 21, 1567, Thorens-Glières, Savoy—died Dec. 28, 1622, Lyon; canonized 1665; feast day January 24), Roman Catholic bishop of Geneva and doctor of the church, who was active in the struggle against Calvinism and cofounded the order of Visitation Nuns. In the 19th century, his vision for religious communities was revived. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. Quotes. All the time, he never lost his passion for God. His goodness, patience and mildness became proverbial. St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists. From a very early age, he desired to serve God. Light a prayer candle for your New Year's resolution! The parents wouldn't come to him, so Francis went to the children. (But I wouldn't recommend kissing the cat.) Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. Saint Francis de Sales Salvation is shown to faith, it is prepared for hope, but it is given only to charity. They consulted with him on matters such as the introduction of St. Teresa's Carmelites into France and plans for the reforming of monasteries and convents. St. Francis de Sales Church Home. But Francis refused to marry, preferring to stay focused on his chosen path. [3], He worked closely with the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, which was very active in preaching the Catholic faith in his diocese. "St. Francis de Sales." ", For busy people living in 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.". (1913). New York: Robert Appleton Company. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. During the French Revolution, however, it was saved from the revolutionaries by being carried by the Visitation nuns from Lyons to Venice. At first, Francis lived for his own protection in a fortress garrisoned by the Duke of Savoy's soldiers. His feast day is celebrated on January 24. Known as "The Gentleman Saint," his spirit of optimism, hope, freedom confidence in God's love prompts the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales to please God by doing everything - big or small enthusiastically and well. In 1610, he founded The Order of Visitation. Mike Mendl, SDB But why did Don Bosco choose St. Francis as the patron of his work in the first place? He knew for thirteen years that he had a vocation to the priesthood before he mentioned it to his family. In his capacity as provost, Francis de Sales engaged in enthusiastic campaigns of evangelism in an area that had become almost completely Calvinist. You can seek his intercession if you are deaf, or on behalf of a deaf person you know. He consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and decided to dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity. For him active work did not weaken his spiritual inner peace but strengthened it. [2] He took Antonio Possevino, a priest in the Society of Jesus, as his spiritual director. During the time of the Protestant reformation, Francis lived close to Calvinist territory. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates St. Francis de Sales' feast on 24 January, the day of his burial in Annecy in 1624. In 1602, Bishop Granier died and Francis was consecrated Bishop of Geneva, although he continued to reside in Annecy. 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