Salesian Literature

On 20th September 1578, Francis received tonsure as he desired to become a priest and belong to the Church entirely.  To receive tonsure at an early age was a custom followed in those days to which his father reluctantly consented.

 

In September 1578, M. de Boisy sent Francis and his cousins to Paris for higher education.  He procured the services of a diocesan priest, Fr. Deage, to accompany them, stay with them and be their tutor during their studies.  Francis joined the college of Clermont run by the Jesuits.

 

There he studied literature, philosophy and learned arts befitting nobles like fencing, riding, dance etc.  This he did to fulfil the wishes of his father.  He followed courses in theology for his own satisfaction.

 

On his return to Savoy, his father had a very good marriage proposal for his son, and obtained on his behalf, from the Duke of Savoy, patents creating him counsellor of the parliament of Chambery.  Francis modestly, but very firmly, refused both.

 

Francis convinced of his vocation to the Priesthood finally manifested his desire to his father, but with great difficulty.  On the human plane one may conclude that his father relented only on learning that as priest, Francis would be made Provost of the Cathedral, the most prestigious post after that of Bishop of Geneva.

 

Francis was ordained priest on 18 December 1595.

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Further References:

 

E.J. Lajeunie. St. Francis de Sales: The Man, The Thinker, His Influence.  “The Great Project.”

Dirk Koster, Choice and Priesthood

Midathada Mariadas, Missionary spirit of St. Francis de Sales.  “Sacred orders”

André Ravier, St. Francis de Sales: Sage and Saint. “A Priesthood dearly acquired.”

Michael de la Bedoyere.  Francois de Sales. “Slow steps to priesthood.”

 

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For a detailed biography, go to:

C.F. Kelley, Spiritual Maxims of St. François de Sales, Introduction

Otto Karrer, The Way to God (Collected Sayings about Religious Life), Life of SFS

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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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