Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales was born in the province of Savoy, in 1567, as part of the noble family of Barons de Boisy. He was raised at Sales Castle, where his mother, a countess, tried to form him very well with the priests of the Society of Jesus. Among the subjects he learned were several languages. Throughout his life, he made a vow to live chastity and always seek the will of the Lord.
On one occasion, attacked by the temptation to distrust the Lord's mercy, he sought guidance from Our Lady and his distrust was dispelled. He studied law in Padua, but decided to become a priest, against his family. On December 18, 1593, at the age of 26, he was ordained a priest. He sought holiness not only for himself, but also for others.
Preaching and evangelization itinerary
Saint Francis de Sales carried out an itinerary of preaching, apostolic zeal and evangelization, seeking to sow unity and spread sound Christian doctrine. He was chosen by God for the service of the episcopate in Geneva, having been appointed coadjutor bishop in 1599 and, three years later, titular, with headquarters in Annecy, France.
While preaching in Dijon, he met Joana Francisca de Chantal, with whom he formed a great friendship. Years later, he wrote and dedicated the book “Introduction to the devout life”, in which Saint Francis de Sales summarized the principles of interior life and taught how to love God. From there, they founded the Congregation of the Visitation of Saint Mary, in 1610, in Annecy, with the aim of providing assistance to the poor and needy.
Declaration of sainthood
Saint Francis de Sales died on December 28, 1622, in Lyon, at the age of 55, 21 of which he spent in the episcopate as a servant to all and a sign of holiness. The following year, his remains were sent to Annecy.
He was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX, in 1877. He is also head and patron of the Salesian family, founded by Don Bosco, who was inspired by him when adopting the name [Salesian]. Furthermore, he is the patron saint of writers and journalists due to the style and content of his writings. He was beatified in 1661 by Pope Alexander VII, who also canonized him in 1665.
References:
1. https://www.vaticannews.va/pt/igreja/santo/sao-francisco-de-sales.html
2. https://www.salesianos.org/pt/sao-francisco-de-sales/