Today is the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, a priest known for his spirit of optimism, hope, freedom and confidence in God’s love both in his life and his writings. The gospel for the memorial is well chosen for its emphasis on remaining in the love of God, the joy of following Christ, and bearing the fruit of that love and joy – fruit that remains in this lifetime and the next.
Francis is the patron saint of adult education, journalists and the deaf (he developed a method for teaching a young deaf person the catechism). Shortly after his ordination to the Catholic priesthood in 1593, he began dangerous work in the Chablais region of France only recently restored from rule by the Swiss. During the Swiss reign the region moved from Catholicism to become predominantly Protestant Reformed in the tradition of John Calvin. Francis was asked to reintroduce and restore Catholicism in the region.
It was during this period he began writing pamphlets in defense of the faith. He would leave pamphlets in the hands of people, under their doors, and when and wherever he could. These were later collected and published as The Catholic Controversy. It was during this period he developed a great reputation as a writer, preacher, and debater in defense of the Catholic faith.
In 1602, Francis became Bishop of Geneva, the stronghold of Calvin’s Reforms and a city/canton whose civic leaders were strong supporters of the Reformation. Yet during his episcopate Catholicism made a strong return to Geneva.
His writing skills also served the many people entrusted to his spiritual care. He wrote prolifically on spiritual matters filling 26 volumes. Two of his books have become spiritual classics: The Introduction to the Devout Life, and The Treatise on the Love of God. In each Francis offers profound advice for the person living in the midst of the world and wishing to pursue a holy life as he felt that all people in all walks of life are called by God to a devout life and that this type of living was possible and wonderful.
Through a series of carefully written Francis offers practical suggestions for navigating through the temptations presented by the world and for making true progress on one’s spiritual journey. His insights on the nature of prayer, the value of the sacraments, the role of friendship, the character of virtue, and the importance of devotion are timeless in their relevance.
Especially in The Treatise, he speaks not only of the nature of God’s love for humanity but of the possibilities within humanity for a return of this love. He sees all reality flowing from the loving heart of a providential God. Creation and, to an even greater degree, salvation, is witness to this incomparable love of humanity. Our appropriate response is a joyful and total union of our will with the loving will of God. It is then that we discover the fullest meaning of what it is to be human.
May God’s joy be in you and may your joy be complete.
Image credit: Detail of “Francis de Sales” by Francesco Bayeu y Subias, Museo de Prado – Madrid | Wikimedia Commons | PD-US