Francis de Sales

Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, at the Château de Sales in the Duchy of Savoy, in what is now Thorens-Glières, France. Raised in a noble family and given an excellent education, he studied in Paris and later at the University of Padua. As a young man he endured a painful crisis of despair, but in prayer before an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary he entrusted himself to God, embraced chastity, and found peace in the simple truth that God is love. Ordained a priest in 1593, Francis preached with clarity and gentleness, winning hearts without harshness. Sent as a missionary to the largely Calvinist region of the Chablais, he faced threats and opposition, yet persevered through patient teaching and personal charity. In 1602 he became Bishop of Geneva, serving from Annecy and guiding souls with wise spiritual direction. His enduring legacy shines in his writings, especially Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God, which invite ordinary Christians to holiness. He is honored as a patron of communicators and scribes. His feast day is January 24.