Truth and Kindness of Saint Francis de Sales: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

In the midst of the chaos of the Protestant reformation, when Europe was torn by anger, violence, and revenge; God raised up saints that would bring true reformation to the Faith.  Saint Francis De Sales is one of those authentic reformers.

Nicknamed the “Gentleman Saint”, Francis was known for speaking the truth with kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness.

At the age of 27, Francis volunteered to be stationed in Geneva, which was almost exclusively Calvinist at that time. He had a deeply seated desire to evangelize to the Calvinists located there.  

For those that may not be aware, Calvinists tend to be a relatively anti-Catholic sect.  Francis would learn this quickly as most of the residents of Geneva wouldn’t even talk to him when he arrived on the scene.  He even faced several assassination threats and attempts.

After a period of extreme rejection, Francis began to create pamphlets on topics of the faith that related to the Truth of Catholicism vs the errors of Calvinism.  He would slip these pamphlets underneath the doors of the town residents.

Over time, the townspeople began to listen to Francis.  He is credited with converting approximately 72,000 Calvinists to the True Faith of Catholicism.

These pamphlets were later compiled into a book called “The Catholic Controversy”.  This book continues to be one of the finest sources of compelling arguments against the errors of Protestantism while providing a solid defence for the Truth of Catholicism.  

In our age of the New Evangelization and Renewing the Mission of the Church, Saint Frances de Sales serves as a role model and advocate for how to have conversations with our family and friends who may have issues with the Faith.  

We can imitate the simplicity, goodness, truth, and beau­ty of the Catholic Faith that he conveyed to those in Geneva.  We too can practice open heartedness, open-mind­edness, and gentleness of spirit in our conversations with others; endeavoring to overcome conflicts with patience and time rather than hurt and alienation.

Francis sought to develop solid relationships before entering into a debate.  The more they trusted him, the more they trusted the information, and the more open their hearts were to the Truth of Catholicism.

Most of the literary work of Francis has less to do with theological arguments and more to do with simply relating to God.  “Treatise on the Love of God” and “Introduction to the Devout Life” are two books we can use to improve our relationship with God and in turn walk with someone else in their spiritual journey…journeying ever more deeply into the true Faith.  We can endeavor to foster faithfulness within our fellow parishioners.  We can help others work through their indifference in order to grow in apostolic zeal.

Ultimately, Francis was successful in conversions because others saw his life in Christ and the joy he radiated.  They simply wanted the same thing he had.  We too can radiate that same Christian joy to those around us.

Saint Francis de Sales reminds us to “walk on the way with our brothers and sisters gently, peacefully and amiably.”  In doing so, we will be instruments through which kindness and truth will meet.

Thanks be to God!

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