Page 18 - Salesian Bulletin 2014 [01] January-March

In 1583 he attend the University of Paris and studied rhetoric and humanities. During his time there he attended a theological discussion on predestination – a belief that every- thing that happens has been decided by God or fate. He truly believed he was damned to hell. He was engulfed by despair. During this time of great illness he visited the church of Saint-Etienne des Grés in southern France and consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As Provost he organised cam- paigns of evangelism among
The Salesians of Don Bosco found- ed by St John Bosco in 1859 is offi- cially named the Society of Saint Francis de Sales. In 1923 Pope Pius XI proclaimed Francis patron saint of writers and journalists. Today, the Pope’s annual Message for World Communications Day is released on 24 January, the feast of St Francis de Sales.
18 SDB
—Sheila Kelly.
Saint Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of the Salesians of Don Bosco
He hand-copied his writings and gave them to people as a means of teaching them about God. In 1602 Bishop Granier died and Francis was consecrated Bishop of Geneva.
Francis de Sales was born on 21 August 1567 in Chateau de Thorens, Savoy, France. His father was Francois de Sales de Boisy, his mother Francoise de Sionnaz. Francis was the eldest of six children and was educated by the Jesuits at the best schools in the nearby towns of La Roche-Sur-Foron and Annecy.
Francis went through various con- version experiences. One incident included his sword falling to the ground. It crossed another sword making the sign of the cross. He interpreted this as a sign that Jesus Christ was calling him to a life of self-sacrifice and love for the Church. He decided to dedicate his life to God. His devotion to God expelled all doubts and influenced the rest of his life and teachings.
Along with his friend St Jane Frances of Chantal he founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, a religious Order for women in Annecy on 6 June 1610.
He later transferred to the University of Padua where he stud- ied law and theology. In 1592 he completed his studies with a doctor- ate in these subjects.
During his years as bishop, Francis was a friend of the poor, a sociable and understanding man. He had a reputation as a spellbinding preacher. These qualities came through in his Introduction to the Devout Life which, unusual for that time, was written for laypeople.
His father had his own wishes for him. He secured a position for him on the Senate of Chambéry. He also had chosen a wealthy heiress for Francis. It was very difficult for his father to accept his son had already chosen the priesthood over a mili- tary or political career. In 1593 Francis was ordained a priest and appointed by the Bishop of Geneva as Provost of the Cathedral Chapter of Geneva, the highest office in the diocese.
During the French Revolution his heart was moved to Venice where it
Protestants in
devout spiritual teachings and direc- tion he converted many of them to Catholicism. Francis wrote books, notably the Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God.
Savoy . Through
his
In his Treatise on the Love of God, Francis wrote “the measure of love is to love without measure”.
Due to overwork and ill health, Francis died 28 December 1622 in Lyon, France, and is buried at the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy.
is venerated today . Many have been reported at his shrine.
He was beatified 8 January1662 and canonised 18 April 1665 by Pope Alexander VII.
miracles