CrucisSt. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales was born on 21 August 1567 at the Château de Sales in the Duchy of Savoy, and died on 28 December 1622 at Lyon. Well-educated in law and theology, he renounced a promising secular career to become a priest, and volunteered for the difficult mission of winning the Chablais region back to the Catholic faith from Calvinism — succeeding through patience, gentleness, and printed leaflets rather than force. He became bishop of Geneva (residing at Annecy) and a much-sought spiritual director.
A Doctor of the Church, he is celebrated above all for teaching that holiness is possible for everyone, not only monks and nuns, in the ordinary duties of daily life. His Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God became spiritual classics, and with St. Jane Frances de Chantal he founded the Order of the Visitation. Renowned for his gentleness and wisdom, he was canonized in 1665, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877, and named patron of writers and journalists. His feast is kept on 24 January.
Selected quotes
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength — the meek soul moves the world more than the harsh one ever will.”
“Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself — God is more pleased by one act of patience with yourself than by a hundred acts of penance.”
“Find a friend who seeks God, and you have found a companion for the whole journey — spiritual friendship is one of God's greatest gifts.”