Saint16th–17th century · Feast January 24
Also known as François de Sales, Francis of Sales
A bishop, writer and spiritual director known for gentle communication and for teaching that holiness is possible in every ordinary vocation.
Francis resisted family expectations of a prestigious secular career and became a priest during intense religious conflict around Geneva. His patient preaching and writing sought persuasion rather than hostility. Through works such as Introduction to the Devout Life and his friendship with St Jane Frances de Chantal, he made practical spiritual growth accessible to lay people.
Francis lived after the Reformation in a region marked by sharp Catholic-Protestant conflict and the growth of print communication.
Gentleness, patient growth, holiness in ordinary life, wise spiritual direction and truthful communication without aggression.
Francis is particularly useful for anxious perfectionists, writers, communicators and people who assume holiness is only for specialists.
People turn to St Francis de Sales in matters of:
Gentle God, through St Francis de Sales’s intercession teach us to grow patiently, speak truth with charity and seek holiness in ordinary life. Amen.
1567
Is born in Savoy
1593
Is ordained a priest
1602
Becomes Bishop of Geneva
1609
Publishes Introduction to the Devout Life
1610
Co-founds the Visitation with Jane Frances de Chantal
1622
Dies in Lyon
Source-quality status: unverified prototype