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 Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Press World Exhibition Issue Issued: June 22, 1936 Values: ₤1.25,₤5 Scott 53-54 Saint Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, into a noble family in the Duchy of Savoy. At that time, the area of Savoy was included in what today are parts of France, Italy and Switzerland. He was well educated and a brilliant student, and received a doctorate in law and theology. Against the will of his father and mother, he chose the priesthood for his life’s vocation. The family eventually reconciled on this matter and Francis was ordained in 1593. After his ordination he was sent to the area of Geneva. This area was mostly made up of members of the Calvinists denomination. Between 1562 and 1598, there were eight French civil wars involving Huguenots (French Calvinists) and Catholics. Francis stayed at the residence of the Bishop in Annecy, about 20 miles south of Geneva. He could not live in Geneva because of the threat of violence with the Huguenots. Francis spoke and preached with gentleness and kindness. These are traits that he carried throughout his life. In 1602 he was ordained Bishop. He was a prolific writer and wrote many pamphlets which gave guidance to the laity and converted many Calvinists back to Roman Catholicism. His two most famous books are “Introduction to the Devout Life” and “Treatise on the Love of God”. He dealt with opposing positions with great patience and a Christ-like love. In this regard he was a missionary of courage since he preached and talked while there were great conflicts between the Huguenots and the Catholic people. Like Saint Francis of Assisi, his virtues of humility, gentleness and kindness made him a great evangelist. In 1604, he met Saint Jane Frances de Chantel (1572-1641), whose feast day is celebrated on August 12. Together, they founded a women’s religious order: the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary. As Bishop he worked diligently in educating dioceses and monasteries of the reforms of the Council of Trent. He connected with people through providing individual spiritual direction and through his writings, which included letters, pamphlets and books. Even as a Bishop, he personally taught young people about the faith. As a result of his holiness and writing he was declared a Saint (1665), and a Doctor of the Church (1877). He is a Patron of the Deaf (1854), and Patron of Catholic journalists and of the Catholic Press (1923). In God’s order there is the beauty of creation with man being the supreme reflection of the creator’s love. Everything is under Divine Providence. "Mind (our heart, soul & mind) is the perfection of man;" It is in our mind that we resemble God in whose image we have been created. No other creature has the capabilities of man’s reasoning and free will. All people are called to holiness. Man can only love unconditionally. "Love is the perfection of the mind;" We see the goodness in others and wish them good. We are gentle to our neighbor since we are aware of our own weaknesses and therefore extend similar compassion to others. "and Charity is the perfection of love." We want better for others and perform actions for their behalf as a means of giving thanksgiving for our existence and God’s love for us. “Let us be what we are and be that well, in order to bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork we are.” References: |
