Salesian Literature

[extract from Noel Rebello, Salesian Spirituality: A Source book, pp. 12-13]

 

The man with the requisite qualifications and ability to enter into the Senate of Savoy and to make a mark as a nobleman chose rather to enter into the vineyard of the Lord and to serve Christ as his Priest. The experience in the Chablais prepared Francis for the decisive role he was to play as bishop [as guide, reformer, pastor, preacher, writer and leader].

 

From 1599 we have Francis the Bishop - first as Coadjutor, during which he undertook delicate diplomatic visits to the Court of the Duke of Savoy, the King of France, to the Papal palace in Rome. During this period we discover the power of persuasion of the saint - in his personal contacts, letters and preaching of inspiring sermons. Francis was consecrated Bishop of Geneva on 8th December 1602 - and with this Francis assumed a new mission, which he expressed thus: "When I was consecrated Bishop, God took me out of myself in order to take me entirely to himself and then to give me back to my people. He changed my heart in such a way that instead of living for myself. I would live only and completely for others". In spite of his whole-hearted dedication - in a spirit of love and gentleness - Francis was unable to regain his residence in Geneva, and was obliged to remain in exile as were her predecessors since 1534.

 

One of his first acts as bishop was to have his confessional placed near the door of the church so that people might come easily to confess. He gave good example and his clergy followed him. He visited the parishes and wanted to see the actual conditions in each parish. But his concern was not just for the clergy. It was a painful experience for him to see widespread religious ignorance; and insisted that 'knowledge constituted the eighth sacrament for the priest'. As bishop, Francis placed a high priority on education. He organized the teaching of catechism throughout the diocese every Sunday and holy day. St. Francis preached so well that his sermons were but "an exposition of the grace and power which dwelt within his own soul."[1]

 

He believed the first duty of a bishop was spiritual direction and wrote to Jane, "So many have come to me that I might serve them, leaving me no time to think of myself. However, I assure you that I do feel deep-down-within me, God be praised. For the truth is that this kind of work is infinitely profitable to me "For him active work did not weaken his spiritual inner peace but strengthened it. He directed most people through letters, which tested his remarkable patience. "I have more than fifty letters to answer. If I tried to hurry over it all, I would be lost. So I intend neither to hurry or to worry. This evening, I shall answer as many as I can. Tomorrow 1 shall do the same and so I shall go on until I have finished."

 

Indeed, Francis considered that preaching constituted one of the important ministry of a Bishop. This is clear from the letter written to a fellow bishop: A bishop's first and chiefest office is to preach. Do not do it in order to become A great preacher, but simply because it is your duty and God's will. The paternal sermon of a bishop is worth more than all the art of the elaborate discourses of other kinds of preachers. There is needed very little for good preaching, in a bishop; for his sermons should be on the necessary and useful and not on the curious and specious. His words should be simple not erudite, hit manner paternal and natural without artificiality; and short as he may be, or little as he may say, it is always a great thing.

 

His vision of his role as a Bishop was formed by the decrees of the Council of Trent (1545-1563) as well as by the various influences felt during his education (Jesuit spirituality among them), and during his work with the Calvinists. First and foremost, he saw his work as leading people into spiritual life and relationship with God. Much of his preaching and writing was geared to that end, particularly to the work of Spiritual Direction.

 

 

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Further References:

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E.J. Lajeunie. St. Francis de Sales: The Man, The Thinker, His Influence.  “Journey to Rome”

Dirk Koster, Francis as Coadjutor

Dirk Koster, Francis becomes bishop

Dirk Koster, The visitation of his diocese

Dirk Koster, Francis de Sales, Bishop

Midathada Mariadas, Pastoral spirit of St. Francis de Sales.  “Episcopal Vocation”

André Ravier, St. Francis de Sales: Sage and Saint. “Prince-Bishop of Geneva”

Michael de la Bedoyere.  Francois de Sales. “Rome and Paris Again”

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Papal Encyclical:

 

Pope Pius XI, Rerum Omnium Perturbationem, 26 January 1923, “to celebrate the Third Centenary of the entry into heaven” of St. Francis de Sales, and conferring on him the title of “Heavenly Patron of all Writers”:

Go to:  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_26011923_rerum-omnium-perturbationem_en.html#top

 

Pope Paul VI, Sabaudiae Gemma, 29 January 1967, “Commemorating the Four Hundredth Birth Anniversary of St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church:

Go to: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_letters/documents/hf_p-vi_apl_19670129_sabaudiae-gemma_lt.html

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