St. Francis de Sales: The Saint of Kindness and Patience

St. Francis de Sales

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Every year on January 24, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the bishop of Geneva and doctor of the Church, known as “the saint of kindness.” His life is a testimony to the transformative power of divine grace, which helped him overcome his own flaws and grow into a man of great virtue. Despite once struggling with a bad temper, St. Francis became a model of patience, kindness, and humility, offering a profound example of spiritual growth for Catholics today.

A Restless Beginning

Francis de Sales was born in 1567 in the castle of Sales, located in the duchy of Savoy (then part of the Holy Roman Empire). As the eldest of six siblings, he displayed a restless and playful character from a young age. His biographers recount that his mother and wet nurse often had to redouble their efforts to manage his energetic nature. His early years were marked by a quick temper, which was evident even as a child. “One day a Calvinist visited the castle in which he lived and little Francis, when he heard about it, took a stick and went running around the chickens shouting: ‘Heretics out, we don’t want heretics,’” according to the story of his life.

His father, wishing to see him grow up well-disciplined, entrusted him to a priest named Father Deage. This priest, a demanding figure, helped shape Francis’ human and Christian formation. Though difficult at times, the lessons Francis received proved to be foundational in his spiritual development.

The Struggle with His Temper

Despite the discipline he received, Francis struggled with his temper for many years. “His blunders or outbursts made him the object of ridicule and humiliation, and his soul had to bear the weight of resentment and a desire for revenge,” the account continues. His temper was not easily controlled, and the pain of his mistakes weighed heavily on him. He often wondered if he would ever overcome this vice and whether his soul would be condemned to hell. This inner turmoil caused him great suffering, including the loss of his appetite and sleepless nights.

But the turning point in his life came through prayer. One day, in an act of surrender, Francis prayed, “I don’t care if you send me all the tortures you want, as long as you allow me to continue loving you always.” This prayer marked a significant shift in his life. He began to frequent churches, seeking peace and spiritual guidance. In the Church of St. Stephen in Paris, while kneeling before the image of the Virgin Mary, he prayed the famous prayer of St. Bernard: “Remember, O most pious Virgin Mary…” In that moment, Francis experienced a peace he had not known for a long time. According to his biographers, “for the first time in a long time, Francis found some of the peace for which he longed.”

The Path to Holiness and Charity

This newfound peace allowed Francis to understand more deeply the importance of kindness in his interactions with others. He understood that humility and patience were essential to his spiritual growth. Although he had initially studied law in Padua to please his father, he soon felt called to study theology. His heart was drawn to a deeper understanding of the things of God.

By the age of 24, Francis had earned a doctorate in law and returned to his family. However, despite his father’s wish for him to marry and secure an important position, Francis felt a stronger call to serve God. He eventually confessed to his father his desire to become a priest. Initially met with resistance, his father eventually consented, and Francis renounced his birthright as the lord of Villaroger to pursue his priestly vocation. He was ordained a priest on May 10, 1593.

A Life of Service and Spiritual Leadership

After his ordination, Francis served as the canon of Annecy. Following the death of the dean of the Cathedral of Geneva, Francis was appointed to take the vacant position, with the support of influential figures, including his cousin, Canon Louis de Sales. But Francis’ true calling lay in the service of those whose faith was weak. He volunteered to go to the region of Chablais, where Calvinism had taken hold, and Catholics were being persecuted. As part of his mission, he wrote and published pamphlets that explained the teachings of the Church and refuted Calvinist positions. These writings would later form part of his influential work, Controversies.

Despite the difficulties and dangers of his work, it was Francis’ patience and kindness that left a lasting impression on those around him. His compassion and perseverance in the face of adversity were qualities that endeared him to the people. According to his biographers, what people admired most about him was “the patience with which he endured the difficulties and pains that his office caused him.”

In 1602, Francis was appointed as the coadjutor of Geneva. When the bishop died, Francis succeeded him as the bishop of Geneva and continued his pastoral work with great commitment. During this period, he mentored Jane de Chantal, with whom he co-founded the Congregation of the Visitation in 1610. Together, they developed a spiritual path that emphasized humility and devotion. Francis’ teachings to Jane de Chantal became the foundation of his best-known work, Introduction to the Devout Life—a spiritual guide that has continued to inspire generations of Christians.

Legacy of Holiness

In 1622, Francis was invited to meet with the duke of Savoy in Avignon. The journey was risky, given the harsh winter and his declining health. Yet, he accepted the invitation, driven by a concern for the welfare of the French portion of his diocese. After the meeting, he began his return journey but fell ill and passed away on December 28, 1622, at the age of 56. His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to the service of God and others.

The following day, the people of Lyon, deeply moved by his holiness, paraded in front of his humble residence. His body was exhumed in 1632 and found to be in remarkably good condition, almost as though he were peacefully asleep. This profound legacy led to his canonization in 1665 and his declaration as a Doctor of the Church in 1878 by Pope Pius IX.

The Patron Saint of Writers and Journalists

St. Francis de Sales’ legacy lives on today, particularly in the Catholic press. He is the patron saint of journalists, writers, and the Catholic press, offering an example of how one can live a life of virtue while serving in the media and writing fields. His kindness, patience, and commitment to truth continue to inspire those who work to spread the Gospel through the written word.

St. Francis de Sales’ life shows us that with God’s grace, even our deepest flaws can be transformed into sources of virtue. His story of spiritual growth, service, and kindness continues to encourage Catholics everywhere to live lives of compassion, humility, and love for others.

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