St. Francis de Sales, a saint of the Catholic Church, was born on 21st August 1567 at Thorens near Annecy, France. He is the patron saint of the Congregation of Fransalians. He was ordained a priest on 18th December 1593 and was consecrated as a Bishop in 1602.
Francis was a pioneer missionary who used every means available to spread the printed Word of God. In 1608 he published the Introduction to the Devout Life, and in 1616 the Treatise on the Love of God. He was beatified in 1661 and canonised in 1665. Pope Pius IX later proclaimed him Doctor of the Church in 1877.
He was a dynamic pastor; about a dozen missionary congregations honour his name and follow his spirit by practising his virtues of patience, gentleness, courage, simplicity and joyful sacrifice.
St. Francis de Sales was a man of prayer who conquered all by his gentle manner. Once, St. Jane de Chantal asked if he ever spent any time without turning his mind to God. He answered, “Sometimes for as long as a quarter of an hour.” If only we could be like him!
He is the patron saint of the Fransalians, guiding us to live out his virtues of patience, humility and heartfelt devotion to God.