The Life of St. Francis de Sales: Patron Saint of Journalists

St. Francis de Sales was born from a family of nobles on August 21,1567 in Chateau de Sales.

He enjoyed a life of luxury until he attended a theological discussion that made him dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity. He was known for his gentleness and patience.

He died of a stroke on December 28, 1622 in a gardener’s hut at the Visitandine monastery in the city of Lyon. Beatified by Pope Alexander VII on 1661, he was canonized 4 years later.

In 1877, he was declared as Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX. Later in 1923, he was proclaimed as the Patron of Writers and Journalists because of his extensive use of broadsheets and books in his efforts to convert the Calvinists in the region. He was also proclaimed as the Patron Saint of the Deaf because he developed a sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God. The church celebrates his feasts on the 24th of January of every year. (Fresa May Momo | Claudine Chicote)