Today, January 24th is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales.

In my first post — First Post, First Blog! — I mentioned this saint. Those who have been following from the beginning may remember that I prayed a Novena to him for guidance, and the fruit of that prayer was this blog.

St. Francis de Sales wrote and distributed pamphlets to explain true Catholic doctrine at a time when many were leaving the Church. It was the first time religious pamphlets were used for this purpose.

He focused on educating lay people about the faith, and his efforts brought over 40,000 people back to the Church.

In 1923, the Pope declared him the patron saint of Catholic writers and the Catholic press. He’s also the patron saint of adult education, the deaf and journalists.

I feel a connection to this saint because:

• Our writing is meant to explain the Catholic Faith
• Our method of evangelization is appropriate for the time (he used pamphlets while I use the internet)
• Our target audience is lay people
• Our desire is to show others how to be holy in the ordinary moments of life

I want to thank St. Francis de Sales for helping with this blog!

I also want to share a beautiful prayer written by him.

Be at Peace

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for
you today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.