January 24, 2012: Feast of St. Francis de Sales

January 24, 2012: Feast of St. Francis de Sales

From: Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS

 

“I offer for our reflection on this feast day of Francis de Sales the forward of a fifty-four page devotional booklet published in 2008 in the United Kingdom (written by a J. Barry Midgley) regarding the life and legacy of “The Gentleman Saint.”

“In some ways the age in which St. Francis de Sales lived has similarities to our own. Then, as now, the world was experiencing dramatic change, and the mind of the Church was necessarily focused on spiritual, intellectual and institutional renewal: correcting aggressive heresy, reaffirming doctrine and practice, and preserving the ministerial priesthood that is at the heart of Catholic life. The Church continues to work for the revival of evangelization and the conversion of nations, withstanding secular assaults on faith, reversing the dilution of doctrine and protecting the accessibility of the sacrifice of the Mass. In every season, the ‘Barque of Peter’ navigates some stormy waters but, thankfully, there are saints like Francis de Sales whose eager and powerful intercession does not diminish with the passing of time.”

“God – in His kindness – provides every season with holy men and women to encourage God’s people, and the Holy Spirit breathes an impetus to refresh faith, doctrine, religious leadership and energy in the mission Christ delegated to His people. Francis de Sales is a luminous example of the local apostle who preserves and teaches the faith received by the Twelve Apostles personally from Our Lord. As a bishop, his priorities were to preach the Gospel, to preside at Mass, to care for the clergy and to ensure that spiritual centers of liturgical and cultural excellence stimulated hope and the practice of devotion. Francis helped those entrusted to his care understand that prayer opens the mind and heart to God’s word and to respond to his (Francis’) belief that everyone plays a part in God’s plan of salvation through a personal conception of His Son. Indeed, Francis de Sales truly was a fascinating figure, so balanced, courageous, sensible and devout: another ‘man for all seasons.’”

“I am grateful…for a renewed appreciation of this wonderful man.”

Through the example and intercession of St. Francis de Sales, may each of us – in ways fitting to the state and stage of life in which we find ourselves – strive to be “balanced, courageous, sensible and devout” in our efforts to “Live Jesus.”
To be – in word, in deed – people for all seasons…in every season!”