St Francis was born, the first of six sons, into a wealthy French family. Against his family wishes, he decided to become a priest. This followed a personal struggle with his own conscious and what he believed were signs from God. He is remembered as a friend of the poor, his reputation as a ‘spellbinding preacher’ and of course, his many pertinent spiritual writings. St Francis is the Patron Saint of writers as well as the deaf, having developed a sign language to teach a deaf man about God. His Feast Day is 24th January.
O Blessed Francis, who in your life did excel in all virtues, especially in your love of God and of your neighbour, I earnestly ask you to take me under your immediate protection and obtain from God my perfect conversion, and that of all sinners.
St Francis, seek also for me the favour for which I now pray: (State your request… ).
Assist us O Lord, we beseech you, through the merits of St. Francis de Sales that, what our endeavours cannot obtain may be given to us by his intercession.
Almighty Father, teach me how to fix my eyes on heaven, that I may generously trample under foot every obstacle that presents itself in my way, and attain that degree of glory which you in your mercy hold out to me.
Let us pray: O God, who for the salvation of souls, did will that St. Francis de Sales should become all things to all men and women, mercifully grant that we, helped by the gentleness of his charity, guided by his teachings, and sharing in his merits, may obtain eternal happiness. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
… St Francis de Sales, Pray for Us …
