Saint Francis de Sales, the Patron Saint of Journalists 

Saint Francis de Sales made love for God and gentleness in expressing one’s faith the most powerful weapon of his preaching. The patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers, he is a Saint and Doctor of the Church.

On 24 January, the liturgical commemoration of Francis de Sales is observed. He was a French bishop who lived between the 16th and 17th centuries, a Doctor of the Church and a Catholic Saint. Although the anniversary of his death is 28 December, its proximity to Christmas led to the preference of marking his memory on the date of the translation of his relics from Lyon, where the saint passed away on 11 December 1622, to Annecy. His heart is still preserved in Treviso, at the Monastery of the Visitation.

François de Sales, Italianised as Francesco di Sales, was of noble origin. Destined by his father for a legal career, he was sent to the University of Padua. However, after obtaining his degree, he decided to take holy orders and dedicate his brilliant mind and life to God and humanity. It was his skill as a preacher that led to his canonisation in 1665, just a few decades after his death.

As Bishop of Geneva, a preacher, and the founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, alongside Baroness Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot de Chantal, Francis de Sales consistently demonstrated great dedication, simplicity, and a gentleness that won him the favour of all.

That same gentleness and love are reflected in his literary works, prayers, and the rules he set for the nuns wishing to join his Order. These women were not required to subject themselves to excessive physical austerity but to practise asceticism of the heart with humility, gentleness, and patience, alongside prayer and contemplation. The sisters’ mission was not only to turn to God but also, and especially, to humanity, through acts of charity and mercy.

Since 1923, he has also been the patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers, by decree of Pope Pius XI. This designation stems from Francis de Sales’ mission in the Chablais region, where he fought against Calvinism not with violence or polemics, but through his mastery of preaching and dialogue. To reach as many people as possible in his campaign of evangelisation, he devised the use of pamphlets—articles written in a concise and accessible style, which he ensured were displayed in public places to reach the widest audience. This innovation earned him recognition as the patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers.

Buy Now:

Rosary beads and rosary cases

Rosary beads and rosary cases: here you will find a wide selection of rosary beads.

Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

We have previously discussed the life of Francis de Sales, highlighting his greatness as a man before his role as a master of spirituality. His literary and theological contributions to Christian history are also significant, with doctrinal works such as “Introduction to the Devout Life” (“Philothea“), to name just one of the most important. While his canonisation was supported by the usual requirement of two miracles, it was his doctrine and talents as a preacher that secured his election as a Doctor of the Church. It is worth remembering that, besides upright conduct and a virtuous life, the essential criteria for being declared a Doctor of the Church are:

– Eminent doctrine

– Holiness of life

– Election by the Supreme Pontiff or a General Council.

Buy Now:

Confraternity Medal, Saint Francis de Sales

Confraternity Medal, Saint Francis de Sales (measuring 14x12cm).

Philothea, the Work of Saint Francis de Sales

We mentioned “Philothea” or “Introduction to the Devout Life“, an ascetical work written by Francis de Sales in 1609. The name “Philothea” is of Greek origin and means “Friend of God.” This exceptional book is a comprehensive and complete manual for those seeking to lead a Christian life, as it examines every aspect of life in light of God’s Word, offering numerous practical tips and guidelines for the behaviour a Christian should adopt in every circumstance.

Another significant work was “Theotimus” or “Treatise on the Love of God” (1616), in which the Saint defined true religious devotion not as an external display of rules and mechanical devotional practices but as a process of self-improvement, nurtured by love for God and the constant practice of the theological virtues.

Charity, love for God, and love in God are recurring themes in the works of Saint Francis de Sales. He wrote during an era of religious wars when polemics, violence, and oppression were often used to compel those of different faiths to return to Catholicism. The gentleness and grace with which Francis expressed his beliefs won the conversion of many Protestants.

Prayer to Saint Francis de Sales

The gentleness of Saint Francis de Sales is also evident in the prayers he wrote for families and in the numerous prayers dedicated to him by his devotees.

This prayer, addressed to the Virgin Mary, is particularly representative. The Saint describes her as a loving and powerful Mother, ready to listen to the pleas of her children, even the least deserving, out of love:

Remember and recall, O sweetest Virgin, 

that You are my Mother and that I am Your child; 

that You are powerful 

and I am poor, timid, and weak. 

I beg You, sweetest Mother, 

to guide me in all my paths, 

in all my actions. 

Do not tell me, wonderful Mother, that You cannot help me, 

for Your most beloved Son 

has given You all power, both in heaven and on earth. 

Do not tell me that You are not bound to help me, 

for You are the Mother of all mankind, 

and especially my Mother. 

If You could not listen, 

I would excuse You, saying: 

“It is true that She is my Mother and loves me as Her child, 

but She lacks the means to help me.” 

If You were not my Mother, 

I would be patient and say: 

“She has every power to help me, 

but, alas, She is not my Mother 

and therefore does not love me.” 

But no, sweetest Virgin, 

You are my Mother, 

and what is more, You are most powerful. 

How could I excuse You if You did not help me, 

if You did not lend me aid and assistance? 

See well, O Mother, 

that You are bound to listen to 

all my requests. 

For the honour and glory of Your Jesus, 

accept me as Your child, 

without regard for my miseries and sins. 

Free my soul and body 

from all evil, and grant me all Your virtues, 

especially humility. 

Bestow upon me all gifts, blessings, and graces 

that please 

the Most Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Buy Now:

Blessed Mother Medjugorje statue grey robes marble 40 cm OUTDOORS

Statue representing Our Lady of Medjugorje, measuring 42.5×16 cm.