Today's Thoughts to Live by | St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

by Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, O.M.I, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato

Some Notes on St. Francis de Sales --

He was born at Thorens in the Duchy of Savoy, 21 Aug 1567, and died at Lyons, 28 Dec 1622. His parents belonged to old Savoyard aristocratic families. His father wanted him to be a lawyer. He studied with the Jesuits and started studying Theology. Acceding to his father's desire, he studied law at Padua and graduated in 1592 with the highest honors. But he refused his father's plan for him to marry one of the noblest heiresses of Savoy. Instead, he accepted the Bishop of Geneva's offer to become Provost of the Chapter of Geneva, the highest office in the diocese.

Francis received Holy Orders in 1593. The following year, he volunteered to evangelize Le Chablais where the Genevans had imposed Calvinism. He journeyed through the entire district preaching constantly, but doors remained closed to him. But his learning, kindness, zeal and holiness finally obtained a hearing.

He settled in Thonon, the chief town. He converted many Calvinists and confuted the preachers sent to oppose him. A large part of the inhabitants of Le Chablais returned to the faith in 1557-1558.

The bishop of Geneva chose him as his coadjutor in spite of his refusal. He went on mission to Paris and became the friend of Cardinal de Berulle and King Henry IV who requested him to do the Lenten preaching at his Court. Of his preaching, someone said, "Never has such holy, such apostolic sermons been preached!"

In 1602, the Bishop of Geneva died and Francis was consecrated as his successor. He visited the parishes, instituted catechetical instruction, reformed religious communities, and guided the clergy. He had intense love of the poor. His goodness, patience, and zeal became proverbial.

He lived simply, dressed plainly. His food was plain.

He preached incessantly, heard confessions, and gave spiritual counsel. He wrote innumerable letters of direction, and published numerous works.

While doing Lenten preaching in Dijon in 1604, he met a devout noble widow, Jane Frances de Chantal. Francis became her spiritual director. A beautiful spiritual friendship developed, nourished with letters of spiritual guidance for Jane. With Francis, Jane journeyed into mysticism and holiness. In 1607, with St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Francis founded the Institute of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin.

On 27 Dec 1622, on a trip to Paris from Annecy with the court of Savoy, he was seized with apoplexy in the home of the gardener of the Visitation convent in Lyon. He received the last sacraments and made his profession of faith. He repeated constantly the words, "God's will be done! Jesus, my God, my all!" He died the next day. He was 56 yrs of age. Immense crowds flocked to visit his remains at Lyon and at Annecy. Numerous favors have been obtained at his tomb in the Visitation convent in Annecy.

During the French Revolution, the Visitation nuns brought his heart from Lyons to Venice where it is venerated today. He was beatified in 1661, and canonized by Pope Alexander in 1665. In 1877, Pope Pius IX proclaimed him Doctor of the Universal Church, calling him "the Master and Restorer of Sacred Eloquence."

Of his numerous works, two of the best known are: "Introduction to the Devout Life" (dedicated to St. Jane Frances de Chantal) and "Treatise on the Love of God." Several religious congregations consider St. Francis de Sales as their Patron, notably the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Prayer -- O God, for the salvation of souls, you willed that the Bishop St. 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 Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.