Saint Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, in the family castle of Sales, in Thorens in the duchy of upper Savoy 1. He was a gifted young man: of brilliant intellect, persevering, purposeful, serene, affable, irresistibly charming, and above all, consumed with the love of God 1. Francis’ studies were lengthy and were accomplished in three stages: college studies at la Roche and Annecy (where his priestly vocation was born); then at the Jesuit college in Paris; and finally at Padua, where in 1591 he obtained his doctorate in civil and canon law. During these years he also studied theology 1.
Francis was ordained priest on 18 December 1593. His early years of priesthood in the Calvinistic district of Chablais were largely coloured, perforce, by extraordinary missionary controversy. He preached with courage, and his technique of patient dialogue and prayer was to prove a determining factor in the return of Thonon and Chablais to the Catholic faith 1. In 1602 he journeyed to Paris to organise the restoration of Catholic worship in the Gex area, part of his diocese and now reverted to French jurisdiction. Francis accomplished this task in nine months 1.
Francis was appointed coadjutor bishop at the age of thirty-one on 24 March 1599 1. He was tireless in visiting his 450 parishes; he organised the further formation of his clergy, proclaiming that learning was the eighth sacrament for a priest. He concerned himself with the reform of monasteries, and the catechesis of the young. He spent hours in the confessional, dialogued with the Calvinists, preached the Advent and Lenten homilies in many cities in Savoy and France, undertook spiritual direction both viva voce and in correspondence, took part in theological discussions 1.
Francis is known for his writings on spiritual direction and spiritual formation. His Introduction to the Devout Life is a classic work on spiritual direction that has been read by millions 2. He also wrote Treatise on the Love of God (Theotimus) which is considered one of his most important works 1.
Saint Francis de Sales died on December 28, 1622 3.
Learn more:
1. donboscowest.org2. catholiccompany.com3. en.wikipedia.org4. christianapostles.com5. britannica.com6. gettyimages.com+3 more
