St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Writers and Journalists

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

 

For his part in combating the development of Calvinism in Europe, St. Francis de Sales was beatified in 1661 and canonised in 1665 by Alexander VII. His contribution to the Roman Catholic’s theological literature prompted Pius XI to declare St. Francis as the Patron Saint of Writers and Journalists. This entry missed his feast which felon January 24^th.

 

Many sources talks of how he refused to marry the woman his father chose. Instead, the Senator’s son exchange vows and married the Church. At the age of 35, he was ordained Bishop of Geneva – the heart of Calvinism.

 

Sadly, the newly ordained bishop did not receive the joyous reception one would expect a 17^th century bishop would have gotten. Staying true to the saying a spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar, he eventually was accepted by the people of Geneva.

 

This bishop did not sit down and basked in the glow of his reputation. He began writing books to strengthen understanding and combat the spread of Calvinism. Two of which are famous to today! They are Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God. While today’s writers shiver at the thought of loosing income from their work, St. Francis wouldn’t accept a single cent from the revenue of his literature.

 

He also helped St. Jane Frances de Chantal to establish the Sisters of the Visitation.

 

This Gentleman Saint returned to the Lord on December 28^th, 1622 at the age of 55. By Pius IX, St. Francis was also made a Doctor of the Church in 1877.

 

Leading a secular life is common these days; and even more so for us writers. While our works need not revolve around theology, our underlying principles in conducting our work should be based on faith. Reporting the truth, providing unbiased facts and ethical writing should be part of our craft. In persuading people to buy, it should not be at the cost of others. As St. Francis de Sales showed us, the pen is mightier than the sword. A modern equivalent would be the keyboard is mightier than any modern arsenal.

 

Picture from: CatholicGreetings.org

References: Wikipedia,  AmericanCatholic.org, Catholic Forum, Catholic Encyclopedia.