January 24 / 24 de enero: St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales was ordained a priest in 1593, after Protestantism had had a generation or two to gain a foothold in Europe. He was assigned to pastoral duties in Geneva and dedicated himself to preaching, hearing confessions, and the other work of his ministry. During these early years of his priesthood, he was instrumental in bringing many people back to the Church from the Calvinist branch of Protestantism, which had its center in Geneva. The Bishop of Geneva, Claude de Granier, then chose an unwilling Francis as his assistant and sent him to Rome (1599).  Pope Clement VIII ratified the choice. On the death of the Bishop, Francis was consecrated as the new Bishop in 1602. It was there that he proved himself an extraordinary, zealous, and pastoral leader. His goodness, patience, and mildness became proverbial. He had an intense love for the poor and himself lived a life of extreme simplicity in order to have more to offer those in need.

Let us pray. “Be at peace. Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you in His care so far, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will hold you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow –  the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination. Amen.” (The Prayer of St. Francis de Sales)

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Brillante, agudo, de buen humor, y muy amable, San Francisco de Sales fue obispo de Génova en el tiempo de la Reforma Protestante. Tanto por su elocuencia como por su contacto personal con la gente, convenció a muchos a no hacerse Protestantes y ganó a muchos para hacerlos volver al Catolicismo.
Quiso vivir una vida sencilla, como cualquier humano de a pie. Vistiendo ropa ordinaria, se mezclaba con la gente en las calles, en el café de la esquina, y en restaurantes. En sus escritos, especialmente en su  famoso libro “Introducción a la Vida Devota,” nos mostró cómo cualquiera puede llegar a ser santo en el propio ambiente social y en el trabajo de cada día.

Oremos. “Señor Dios nuestro, hoy te damos gracias por San Francisco de Sales, cuya fiesta celebramos, quien con su amabilidad mostró a la gente cuán bueno eres tú, Padre, y qué íntimo y cercano quieres estar a nosotros. Danos la gracia de ser abiertos y bondadosos con todos como fue Francisco; sencillos, comprensivos, y entregados plenamente a ti. Te lo pedimos por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén.”

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