<p>Francis was born in France in 1567. His family insisted that he study law rather than enter the seminary. After obtaining doctorates in both canon and civil law by the age of 24, Francis rejected opportunities for a brilliant career and chose religious life instead. His family eventually became reconciled to his choice and he was ordained in 1593.</p>
<p>Appointed Bishop of Geneva in 1602, Francis reorganized the diocese, reformed religious education, established a seminary and founded several schools. Francis lived a life of austerity and simplicity, sharing his abundance with the poor. A wise and intelligent teacher, preacher, confessor and author, he emphasized both the loving kindness of God and the human capacity for love. He became one of the principal leaders of the Catholic Reformation.</p>
<p>Together with Jane Frances de Chantal he founded the Visitation Sisters. Several other religious organizations also claim his founding inspiration: the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, the Oblates of St Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco, and the St Francis de Sales Association.</p>
<p>Francis was beatified the year he died, 1622 - the first formal beatification to take place in St Peter's - and canonized in 1665. He is a Doctor of the Church and patron saint of the deaf, of writers and of the Catholic press.<br /><em><br />©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</em></p>
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