St. Francis de Sales
Feast day: January 24
Born in France in 1567, Francis studied at Annecy, in Paris, and the University of Padua, receiving his doctorate in law at the age of twenty-four. He chose to enter religious life and was ordained in 1593. He spent four years reconverting Catholics who had become Calvinists, writing many tracts to explain the basic tenets of the Faith. Later appointed bishop of Geneva, he played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation. A friendship with St. Jane Frances de Chantal led to their founding of the Order of the Visitation. Canonized in 1665, Francis was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877. He is patron saint of the Catholic press, journalists, and of the deaf.
Collect
O God, who for the salvation of souls
willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales
become all things to all,
graciously grant that, following his example,
we may always display the gentleness of your charity
in the service of our neighbor.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
