29 January – Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

Memorial (Ordinary Time)

The gentle master of spiritual direction.

Born 1567 in the Duchy of Savoy, noble lineage, brilliant student of law and theology. Chose priesthood over inheritance. As Bishop of Geneva (in exile due to Calvinist control), he converted thousands through preaching, pamphlets, and personal kindness rather than force.

Co-founded the Visitation Order with St. Jane Frances de Chantal — sisters devoted to humility, gentleness, and service without extreme austerities. Author of *Introduction to the Devout Life* (1609) — the classic that showed laypeople holiness is possible amid daily life, marriage, and work.

Declared Doctor of the Church 1877. Patron of writers, journalists, the deaf (he developed early sign methods), and the Diocese of Annecy.

White vestments (doctor). Ordinary Time brightened by the saint who proved charity and clarity win more souls than controversy.

In an age of harsh words online and off, Francis de Sales teaches: truth spoken with love penetrates the heart.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for communicators, confessors, and all who seek to lead souls gently to God.

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