Saint FRANCIS DE SALES, bishop and doctor of the Church

Titular and Patron of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales

Francis was born in Savoy, France, on 21 August 1567. Ordained Bishop of Geneva in 1602, he dedicated all his apostolic activity to bringing back to the Catholic faith the people of the Chablais who had accepted the Protestant Reform. Through his many-sided activities he educated the Christian people and showed them that spirituality was attainable in every walk of life. He dedicated himself completely to his mission as a pastor, making himself simple with the simple, discussing theology with the Protestants, introducing to the "devout life" souls wanting to werve Christ, opening to them the secrets of the love of God, careful to put the spiritual life within the reach of the laity and making devotion pleasant and desirable. He made good use of the printed word and promoted work and culture, treating everyone with loving kindness and unprentetious wisdom. 

He dies at Lyons on 28 December 1622 and was canonised in 1665. Pius IX proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1877.

Inspired by his "apostolic charity" and by his "evangelical kindness and patience", St John Bosco chose him as the model and protector of his own mission among the young. At the conclusion of the IV centenary of his birth, Paul VI gave him the title of Doctor of divine love. 

Great and merciful God, you have raised up in the Church Saint Francis de Sales as a zealous shepherd and gracious tutor: grant that we too may work diligently in our mission to the young with the same apostolic spirit. We ask this through Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.