Francis de Sales was a Bishop of Geneva. He became noted for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God.

He was born on 21 August 1567 in Thorens-Glières, Haute-Savoie, France. His father was François de Sales, Lord of Sales, and mother was a noblewoman named Françoise de Sionnaz.

Francis happened to visit the old parish of Saint-Etienne-des-Gres in 1587, where he prayed the "Memorare" before a famed statue of Our Lady of Good Deliverance, a Black Madonna. He consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and decided to dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity. He then became a tertiary of the Minim Order.

Francis made up his mind to become a priest in 1592. Meanwhile, his father secured various positions for Francis, including an appointment as a senator. His father also chose a wealthy noble heiress as his bride. But Francis refused to marry, preferring to stay focused on his chosen path. His father initially refused to accept that Francis had chosen the priesthood rather than fulfil his expectations with a political-military career.

In 1599, Francis was appointed coadjutor bishop of Geneva. In 1602, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Henry IV of France, to negotiate the restoration of Catholic worship in Gex, a part of the diocese that had been returned to France. He was invited to give the Lenten sermons at the Chapel Royal. The morals at court reflected those of the King, which were notorious, yet King Henry became personally attached to Francis.

In 1602 Sales was consecrated Bishop of Geneva by Vespasien Gribaldi. His diocese became famous throughout Europe for its efficient organization, zealous clergy and well-instructed laity, an achievement in those days. During his years as bishop, de Sales acquired a reputation as a spellbinding preacher and something of an ascetic. His motto was, "He who preaches with love, preaches effectively." His goodness, patience and mildness became proverbial.

Along with Chantal, Sales founded the women's Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitandines) in Annecy on 6 June 1610. He also established a community of men, an Oratory of St. Philip Neri, at Thonon-les-Bains, with himself as the superior or Provost.

Sales died on 28 December 1622 following a stroke.

Francis de Sales has been styled "the Gentleman Saint" because of his patience and gentleness. He was beatified in 1661 by Pope Alexander VII, who canonized him four years later. Francis was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877.

In 1923, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists. Sales developed a sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God. Because of this, he is the patron saint of the deaf.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Anicet Hryciuk
2. Saint Babylas
3. Saint Bertrand
4. Saint Felician of Foligno
5. Saint Macedonius

-catholic.org