Francis trained as a lawyer before choosing the priesthood against his father's wishes, and was soon sent on a difficult mission to win back the largely Calvinist region of the Chablais to Catholicism. Rather than relying on confrontation, he preached with patience and gentleness, wrote pamphlets slipped under doors when people refused to receive him in person, and reportedly reconciled tens of thousands to the Church over four years.
As Bishop of Geneva, Francis became known above all for his conviction that a deep spiritual life was not reserved to monks and nuns but was fully available to people living ordinary lives in the world. His book Introduction to the Devout Life, written as practical spiritual guidance for a laywoman, became one of the most widely read spiritual classics in Catholic history. He is honored as the patron saint of writers and journalists, and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877.
Saint Francis de Sales
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
A bishop known for his extraordinary gentleness, who won back thousands of Calvinists through patient preaching and wrote a landmark guide to holiness for ordinary lay people.
- Born
- 1567
- Died
- 1622
- Birthplace
- Thorens, Savoy (modern France)
- Died in
- Lyon, France
- Country
- France
- Canonised
- 1665-04-19
- Century
- 17th century
Why People Pray to Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales is invoked by writers, journalists, and lay people seeking to grow in holiness within ordinary daily life.
