Hi! I'm just going to get right to it. There is in fact a patron saint of blogging. Well kind of. Technically, Saint Francis de Sales’ patronage consists of Catholic writers, Catholic press, and journalists. I am assuming that blogs fall into one, if not all of those categories. That being said, should we name this whole blog thing after him? Saint Francis de Sales Blog….nah. What about Sales Tales? Frank’s Thoughts? Are these all super cheesy? Absolutely. I would LOVE suggestions so please share yours! I know we can come up with something catchy. Anywho, I want to talk about St. Francis de Sales today and introduce you all to him. St. Francis was born on the 21st of August, 1567 in Savoy, which was a kingdom near Geneva, Switzerland, and if you can’t tell by the word “kingdom,” yes, his family was noble. Ever since he was just a little kid, he always desired to live for God. He even knew for a while that he was called to the priesthood, but he kept it a secret from his family, since his father intended for him to enter a career in politics. Following his father’s wishes, Francis ended up receiving his doctorate in law from the University of Padua, when he was only 24 years old! During this time, his passion for the Lord remained strong. He personally studied theology and prayed by himself, but never let anyone know about his devotion. On the side, Francis was a skilled equestrian and took up fencing as well. One day while out riding, Francis fell off of his horse three times. Each time he fell, his sword slid out of its sheath, landing perfectly on the ground in the shape of the crucifix. Each. Time. After that day, Francis knew he must live only to serve God. So, he went home and had a discussion with his father right away. At first, his father did not approve, but eventually came around. In 1593, Francis was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Geneva. During his priesthood, the Protestant Reformation was growing rapidly across Europe. Living near Calvinist land, he decided he must work to bring them back to the one true Church. He was bitterly denied in every fashion, and even nearly froze to death while evangelizing. But he exuded great patience and just kept swimming! After getting nowhere with verbal communication, he decided he would try written communication. And so, the pamphlet was born. Francis wrote up brochures about the Catholic faith and slid them under doors, to deliver God’s word. When the adults still wouldn’t come and see, he turned to the children. Naturally curious, the children listened! And then they got their parents on board! The results of this ministry? Francis brought FORTY THOUSAND people to the Catholic Church!!!! This is ground-breaking news people!!!!! He then went on to become a bishop, and was spiritual director to many. He also began to establish a mystical union with God at this time. One day in the early 17th century, while giving a homily, Francis saw a widow listening very intently. And guess what else. He had already seen this woman in a dream. (I know, right!) They ended up becoming great friends, and the woman started seeking spiritual direction from him. Who was this woman? Only Saint Jane de Chantal. There is so much more to say about this miraculous man and I could seriously go on for pages and pages. I pray that St. Francis de Sales blesses this blog, and our entire faith community. To wrap up, I will leave you with a quote of his: “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” Think about that for a while. St. Francis, pray for us! Prayer to St. Francis: O Blessed Francis, who in your life did excel in all virtues, especially in your love of God and of your neighbour, I earnestly ask you to take me under your immediate protection, to obtain from God my perfect conversion, and that of all sinners. Teach me, O Father, to fix my eyes on heaven, that I may generously trample under foot every obstacle that presents itself in my way, and attain that degree of glory which you in your mercy hold out to me. Obtain also the favour for which I now pray: (mention your request here). Assist us O Lord, we beseech you, through the merits of St. Francis de Sales that, what our endeavours cannot obtain may be given to us by his intercession. Here’s a quick video about him if you’ve got three minutes (: Order St. Francis’ book, Introduction to the Devout Life, by clicking on it below.
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