> [[09-figures|↑ Back to TOC]] # Saint Francis de Sales ## Biography Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Universal Church, born at Thorens, in the Duchy of Savoy, on 21 August, 1567; died at Lyons, 28 December, 1622. He was ordained priest in 1593 and undertook the evangelization of the Chablais region, converting thousands of Calvinists by his preaching and his famous written controversies. He became Bishop of Geneva in 1602. Together with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, he founded the Institute of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin in 1607. He was canonized in 1665 and declared Doctor of the Church in 1877. He is patron of writers and journalists, and is beloved for his gentle spiritual teaching. *Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Francis de Sales"* ## Notes - Introduction to the Devout Life. - Treatise on the Love of God (Theotimus). - Letters of spiritual direction, especially to St. Jane Frances de Chantal. - Promoted gentle spirituality, pastoral reform during Reformation era.