In Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence, St.
His feast is celebrated on January 24..
He died in 1622 on December 28, and was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665.
An Introduction to the Devout Life , his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life.
Though known for his great intellect and theological wisdom, he spoke with simplicity and earnestness, so that all could understand.
He was known as a spiritually understanding man as well as a friend of the poor.
Francis de Sales is the author of various collections of sermons on Mary, Lent, prayer and Christmastide, as well as a work entitled Set Your Heart Free , edited by John Kirvan.
He became bishop of Geneva in 1602.
He became a doctor of law at the age of 24 at the Jesuit College of Clermont, Paris, and was ordained a priest by Bishop Claude de Granier and stationed in Geneva in 1593.
After a disturbing spiritual fear of being condemned, he eventually resolved his problem and decided to dedicate his life to God in 1587.
His father sent him to a good school when he was young, and he received spiritual formation from the Jesuits.
Francis de Sales was born in 1567 to Francois and Francoise de Boisy in what is currently Haute-Savoie, France.
About author(s): St.
His Consoling Thoughts are compiled from these letters as well as from his other spiritual works.
Francis was Bishop of Geneva and a tireless preacher, who yet made time to correspond with numerous souls who wrote him for his insight and guidance.
St.
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is known to history as the Gentle Saint.
Readers of Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence will experience firsthand why St.
Francis encourages us to conform ourselves to God\'s will, and teaches us to abandon ourselves to the Lord who so desires our hearts.
St.
This treasure of spirituality beautifully explains God\'s love for the sinner, how great His joy is upon the return of just one lost sheep, and how God\'s mercy extends even towards the damned.
Francis de Sales, beloved Doctor of the Church, speaks of how God wants only good for us, and why we should have great confidence in His merciful love.
In Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence, St
