St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, in the Château de Sales in the Duchy of Savoy (modern-day France). He was the eldest son of a noble family and received an excellent education, studying rhetoric, humanities, and theology in Paris and law in Padua. Despite his father’s hopes that he would pursue a legal career, Francis felt a deep calling to the priesthood. After a profound spiritual crisis and a transformative experience of God’s mercy, he was ordained in 1593. Francis became a missionary in the Chablais region, where he worked tirelessly to restore Catholicism in an area heavily influenced by Calvinism. His gentle, patient approach won over many hearts, and he became known for his ability to communicate complex theological ideas in a way that was accessible and inspiring. In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva, a position he held until his death in 1622. Despite the challenges of his diocese, which was a Calvinist stronghold, Francis became a beloved pastor, known for his humility, kindness, and dedication to his flock.