Patron of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
and the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
 

St. Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, at the Château de Sales in the Duchy of Savoy in France, 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 him to pursue a career in law and politics and enter an advantageous marriage. But Francis wanted to be a priest. Against his father’s wishes he was ordained in 1593 by the Bishop of Geneva.

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

From his residence at Annecy (as he was exiled from Geneva), 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 1609, his most famous book, Introduction to a Devout Life, was published and soon circulated throughout the world. In 1610, he founded the Order of Visitation with St. Jane Frances de Chantal, whom he guided in the spiritual life since meeting her in 1604.

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 callings of life – soldier, prince, widow, married woman – 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 helped make the journey to God joyful and possible for everyone. Above all, he advised against despair and the burden of fear.   He died in Lyons on December 28, 1622.  His feast day is January 24.  He is the patron of the deaf and journalists.

Hoagland, Victor, and George Angelini. The Book of Saints: The Lives of the Saints According to the Liturgical Calendar. 1986. The Regina Press, New York.