The Gentleman Saint

painted by another mother last Lenten season

Today's saint was always important to me growing up because he was the patron saint of the church where I was baptized.  It was interesting to learn more details of his life when writing this post.

St. Francis de Sales

Feast day: January 24
Birth: 1567
Death: 1622
Patron Saint of Journalists, Writers
France
Noble family

Francis was the first born son and much was expected of him.  His father expected him to do well and sent him to the finest schools.  He was expected to become a magistrate (lawyer).  In 1583, he was sent away to school in Paris, along with a personal servant and a priest tutor.  Along with his studies, he was expected to learn all the social skills associated with the finest gentlemen.  He was also expected to socialize with families of the upper class as arranged by his father.

Francis did all of these things to please his father; however, he had this growing desire to become a priest.  He fell into despair, which lasted 2 years and he became quite ill to the point of being bed-ridden.  In 1587, he stood before a statue of the Black Madonna and consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and decided to dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity.

In 1588, he completed his studies at the university and then enrolled at University of Padua in Italy, where he studied both law and theology.  It was at this time that he decided to follow his desire to become a priest.  Meanwhile, his father began to secure high positions within the government, as well as make arrangements for a marriage to the daughter of a prominent family.  Francis refused to marry, preferring to stay focused on his chosen path. His father initially refused to accept that Francis had chosen the priesthood; however, the bishop stepped in to assist Francis.

After signing over all of his inheritance to his younger brother, Francis would be ordained in 1593.  He was then placed in a position of provost in the region of Geneva.  He began to evangelize to those influenced by Calvinism.  He spent much of this time under the protection of guards and his life was threatened many times.  He then traveled to Rome to form an alliance with Pope Clement VIII and then on to Henry IV of France.

He was asked to remain in Paris to bring order to the demoralized court.  The king grew fond of Francis saying, "A rare bird, this Monsieur de Geneve, he is devout and also learned; and not only devout and learned but at the same time a gentleman. A very rare combination."  I suppose all of the training his father insisted on his obtaining over the years was helpful in this situation.  Francis became an important adviser and confessor for many at court during this time.  He also assisted in bringing in religious organizations to Paris.

In 1602, he was consecrated as the bishop of Geneva, which was still under the influence of the Calvinists.  In spite of his inability to enter Geneva, his diocese became one of the most organized and had the most educated laity in the area.  His motto was, "He who preaches with love, preaches effectively."  Francis was known for his ability to preach and his patient kindness.  It was during this time, he wrote his book, Introduction to a Devout Life.  This book was one of the first specifically written for laity. (By the way, this is one of my favorite devotionals and I have read it many times over the years.)

Francis wrote other books as well.  He also sent letters of spiritual direction to several people through the years.  One set of letters written to Jane Frances de Chantal (a canonized saint as well) were compiled and made into a book, Letters of Spiritual Direction.  His writings on the perfections of the heart of Mary as the model of love for God influenced Jean Eudes to develop the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

In 1610, he assisted Jane de Chantel in founding the women's Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.  Although the original intent was to have these women go out into the community, the archbishop chose to have the nuns cloistered.  Francis also began the efforts to begin an organization of men but he died before it was a distinguished group.

In 1622, he was asked to attend a Christmas entourage of the duke throughout his territory.  Upon arriving in Lyons, Francis experienced a stroke and died on December 28, 1622.

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset."