St Francis de Sales

Patron Saint of writers, journalists, authors, the deaf, educators, and spiritual directors.

Feast Day: January 24th

Doctor of the Church and Religious

Thorens-Glières, Duchy of Savoy (modern-day France)

Public Domain: Saint Francis of Sales kneeling; angels and cherubim emerging from the clouds. Engraving by L. Visscher after C. Maratta via Wellcome Collection.

Feast Day: January 24th

Doctor of the Church and Religious

Thorens-Glières, Duchy of Savoy (modern-day France)

About

St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622) was a gentle and wise bishop from France, known for his deep love of God and his gift of guiding souls with patience and charity. Born into nobility in Savoy, he first studied law but felt a strong call to the priesthood. As Bishop of Geneva, he faced the challenges of the Protestant Reformation and worked tirelessly to bring people back to the Catholic faith with kindness instead of harshness. He is best remembered for his spiritual classics, including Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God, which made holiness practical and accessible for ordinary people. His calm spirit, clear teaching, and merciful approach earned him the title Doctor of the Church.

Legacy

St. Francis de Sales left a lasting mark on the Church through his writings and pastoral care. He is honored as the patron saint of writers, journalists, and the deaf, as well as a model of Christian gentleness. His teachings on living a devout life in everyday circumstances continue to inspire Catholics around the world. The religious community he co-founded with St. Jane Frances de Chantal, the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, is still active today. His motto, “Live Jesus,” captures his simple yet profound spirituality.

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” — St. Francis de Sales