Saint Francis de Sales
Bishop & Doctor of the Church
1567-1622
Feast Day: January 24th
Patronage: Catholic writers, authors, journalists, deafness
St. Francis was born a nobleman and his father intended for him to become a lawyer so that he could take his place as senator in Savoy, Frnace. He wet to study law in Padua, Italy. Whi8le in Italy, he anjoyed getting in sword fights and going to parties. On receiving his degree, he returned home and announcxed to his parents that he intended to become a priest/ This announcement was not well received and his parents resisted. Eventually, St. Francis won them over with his patience and gentle persuasion. Shortly after his ordination to the preiesthood he was elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, meaning he was second in charge to the Bishop. This was the era of Reformation, and Geneva was the headquarters of the Calvinists. In other words, it was not a very friendly place for Catholics, Especially Catholic priests. While St. Francis was full of zeal, he didnt have much success. In fact, he got chased out of town and had many doors slammed in his face. But he did not quit. Instead, he began distributing pamphlets containing Catholi teaching and apologetics and slipping them under the doors of the calvinists. Eventually, though perserverance and creativity, he was successful in converting thousands back to the Catholic faith. At the age of 35, St. Frnacis was promoted to the Bisop of his diocese. His kind and patient teaching style won him a huge following among the faithful and he has a special intrest in encouraging lay people to licw holy lives. He is remembered for his many writings, especially Introduction to the Devout Life- a guide to the spiritual life for lay people. catholicgentleman.com
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