St. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales
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Full Name and Common Aliases
St. Francis de Sales was born as François de Sallès on August 21, 1567, in Châelles-les-Eaux, Savoy (now part of Switzerland). He is commonly known by his title "Bishop of Geneva" or simply "St. Francis de Sales."
Birth and Death Dates
Born: August 21, 1567
Died: December 28, 1622
Nationality and Profession(s)
Francis de Sales was a French Catholic priest, bishop, theologian, and writer. He is considered one of the most significant figures in modern Catholicism.
Early Life and Background
St. Francis de Sales was born into a noble family in Savoy. His father, François de Sallès, was a lawyer, and his mother, Françoise de Sallenèves, came from a prominent family. He received an excellent education at home, studying Latin, Greek, philosophy, and theology.
At the age of 13, Francis began his studies for the priesthood at the University of Paris. He excelled in his studies and was ordained as a priest at the age of 23. After completing his theological studies, he returned to Savoy and became involved in various charitable activities, including caring for the poor and teaching catechism.
Major Accomplishments
Bishop of Geneva: In 1602, Francis de Sales was appointed Bishop of Geneva by King Henry IV of France.
Founder of the Salesian Order: In 1610, he founded the Salesian Order (also known as the Company of Mary), a congregation of Catholic priests dedicated to serving the poor and spreading the Gospel.
Writer and Theologian: Francis de Sales was a prolific writer and theologian. He wrote extensively on spirituality, theology, and philosophy.Notable Works or Actions
Some of St. Francis de Sales' notable works include:
Introduction to the Devout Life: A spiritual guidebook that provides practical advice for living a devout life in the midst of worldly responsibilities.
Treatise on the Love of God: A theological treatise on the nature and importance of loving God.Impact and Legacy
St. Francis de Sales' impact on Catholicism is immense. He was instrumental in spreading the Gospel in Switzerland and France, and his writings continue to inspire Catholics around the world. His emphasis on living a devout life in the midst of worldly responsibilities has made him a beloved figure among Catholics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
St. Francis de Sales is widely quoted or remembered for his insightful writings on spirituality and theology. His quotes often emphasize the importance of loving God, living a devout life, and serving others. Some notable quotes from St. Francis de Sales include:
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
* "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
St. Francis de Sales' legacy continues to inspire Catholics around the world. His emphasis on loving God and serving others has made him a beloved figure among Catholics.
Quotes by St. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales's insights on:
How do you love yourself? Is it a love which concerns this life chiefly? Is so, you will desire to abide here forever, and you will diligently seek your worldly establishment - but if the love you bear yourself has a heavenward tendency, you will long or, at all events, you will be ready to go hence whenever it may please our Lord.
It is wonderful how attractive a gentle, pleasant manner is, and how much it wins hearts.
Be patient, you are in good company. Our Lord Himself, our Lady, the apostles, and countless saints, both men and women, have been poor.
For acting thus you will remain innocent among the hissings of the serpents, and like a sweet strawberry you will receive no venom from the contact of venomous tongues.
God's favor floats as it were over all this and finds joy in turning all those miseries to the greater profit of those who love Him. From toil He makes patience spring forth.
Take patiently the petty annoyances, the trifling discomforts, the unimportant losses which come upon all of us daily; for by means of these little matters, lovingly and freely accepted, you will give Him your whole heart, and win His.
Everybody finds themselves sometimes deficient in what they need, and put to inconvenience ... the richest people may easily be without something they want, and that is practically to suffer poverty. Accept such occurrences cheerfully, rejoice in them, bear them willingly.
![He enables [his children] to walk before him; he holds their hand in difficulties; he himself carries them along in hardships that he sees as being otherwise unbearable to them.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-553597.png&w=1536&q=100)
He enables [his children] to walk before him; he holds their hand in difficulties; he himself carries them along in hardships that he sees as being otherwise unbearable to them.
![We must unceasingly ask for [perseverance] by making use of the means which God has taught us for obtaining it: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, frequenting the sacraments, association with good companions, and hearing and reading Holy Scripture.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-553593.png&w=1536&q=100)
We must unceasingly ask for [perseverance] by making use of the means which God has taught us for obtaining it: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, frequenting the sacraments, association with good companions, and hearing and reading Holy Scripture.
Oppose vigorously any tendency to sadness ... You must persevere. By means of sorrow the enemy tries to make us weary of good works, but if he sees that we don't give them up and that being done in spite of his opposition they have become very meritorious, he will stop troubling us.