As Saint for Our Time: Saint Francis DeSales

TGIF everyone!  Today is the feastday of Saint Francis DeSales.  I would like to post his biography here, because I find his story very apt to ours today.  Saint Francis DeSales lived in a time when Catholicism was under great criticism, and losing members to the Protestant reformation.  Do you ever feel like Catholicism today is under attack and losing members to flawed philosophies?  Saint Francis' story reminds us to be kind to all.  Despite differences and hardships, God's grace is extended and available to everyone, regardless of whether or not they "agree" with us.  If we can recognize the deep love God has for each person, as well as the unique call and crosses that they bear, then perhaps we can be a beacon of His grace to them. Saint Francis DeSales' example shows us that we cannot be lofty separatists from those around us.  Especially in times of cultural crisis, we must pray for the courage to be kind, engaged, and credible Christian witnesses.  Only then can we encourage others to pursue moral choices along whatever course their lives take.

Saint Francis DeSales was born on August 21, 1567 near Geneva, Switzerland.  He came from a noble family and even as a child he desired to serve God completely.  Though frail and delicate, he had a quick, intelligent mind and a gentle, kind disposition.  His family educated him at the best schools of his day.

In 1580, he entered the University of Paris and was drawn to the study of theology.  He then attended the University of Padua, where he received his doctorate in law at the age of twenty-four.

His father wanted Francis to pursue a career as a lawyer, but Francis wanted to be a priest.  With his father's tepid consent, he was ordained in 1593 by the Bishop of Geneva.

The Catholic Church at the time was losing many of its faithful  to the new churches of the Protestant Reformation.  Francis set out to restore Catholicism in the region around Lake Geneva.  Tirelessly and patiently preaching the ancient faith, writing leaflets that clearly explained the Catholic view, he gradually re-established a strong Catholicism in the area.  In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva.

From his residence at Annecy, he organized his diocese and with a winning gentleness ministered to his people.  His encouragement and wise counsel inspired many people to a better way of life.  In 1608, his most famous book, An Introduction to the Devout Life, was published and soon circulated throughout the world.  In 1610, he founded the Order of Visitation with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, whom he guided in the spiritual life.

Francis de Sales was convinced that God sees humanity as a great and varied garden, each person beautiful in his or her uniqueness.  The various calling of life - soldier, prince, widow, married, or single - are like the various flowers of the field; God loves them all.  Through his or her own calling, each person can find a way to a deeper friendship with his or her Creator.  Francis approached people with genuine respect and gently guided them to recognize the unique path they would take in life.  He made the journey to God joyful and possible for everyone to make.  Above all, he advised against despair and the burden of anger and fear.

Francis de Sales tells us: “The person who possesses Christian meekness is affectionate and tender towards everyone: he is disposed to forgive and excuse the frailties of others; the goodness of his heart appears in a sweet affability that influences his words and actions, presents every object to his view in the most charitable and pleasing light.” (adapted from biographies: AmericanCatholic.org, and The Book of Saints, Regina Press)