Devout Life of St Francis de Sales – Jan 24 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 24, 2024, on the life of St Francis de Sales, with his profound spiritual journey from a nobleman's son to a saint who championed the universal call to holiness and significantly influenced Catholic thought and practice and advanced the Counter-Reformation.

St. Francis de Sales was born in 1567 in the Duchy of Savoy, now part of France. As the first of 13 children, Francis faced expectations to pursue a political career. His education began at La Roche, followed by studies in Annecy, Aisne, and Paris, where he chose to study with the Jesuits, focusing on theology and scripture. Despite his father's plans, Francis felt a calling to priesthood from age 12. A spiritual crisis at 19 led him to a profound devotion to Our Lady, resolving to serve God without seeking rewards.

Despite his father's resistance, Francis pursued his vocation, becoming a deacon and then a priest by 26. He served in the diocese of Geneva, living in exile in Annecy due to Geneva's Protestant dominance. His missionary work in the Chablais, a hostile environment, included innovative methods like distributing leaflets comparing Catholicism and Calvinism.

Francis' dedication led to his appointment as bishop of Geneva. He met influential figures like St. Vincent de Paul and King Henry IV, and his humility and wisdom were widely recognized. With St. Jane Francis de Chantal, he founded the Visitation Order, initially intended for active ministry but later becoming cloistered. His notable work, "Introduction to the Devout Life," emphasizes devotion suitable for all life states, predating Vatican II's teachings on universal call to holiness.

St. Francis de Sales passed away in 1622, leaving a legacy as a patron of Catholic writers and journalists. His life exemplifies deep faith, innovative ministry, and dedication to spreading Catholic teachings.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Francis de Sales - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=51
Readings: Wednesday 3rd Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012424.cfm
1st: 2sa 7:4-17
Resp: psa 89:4-5, 27-30
Gsp: mar 4:1-20

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1019&r=1579

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