Yesterday, January 24, the Church celebrated the liturgical feast day of St. Francis de Sales, proclaimed "Doctor of the Church" by Pope Pius IX, for having significantly deepened theological reflection and Christian spirituality. The meekness, charity, and gentleness of St. Francis de Sales inspired Don Bosco to such an extent that he decided to found the "Salesian" Congregation, in honor of the holy bishop of Geneva.
St. Francis de Sales was a connoisseur of what motivates and moves man and also a great theologian. He is known for his influence in Christian spirituality and theology, not only through his countless letters of spiritual direction, but also through his works such as "Introduction to the Devout Life" and "Treatise on the Love of God", true classics of spiritual theology. Love for God and love for man occupy a central place in the life and works of St. Francis de Sales, so much so that he was proclaimed "Doctor of the Church" and "Doctor of Charity".
Now, the International Conference organized by the Salesian Congregation and the Institute of Spirituality of the Faculty of Theology for next November, on the one hand, intends to highlight Salesian spirituality in the letters and writings of St. Francis de Sales, his pedagogical action, the historical context and his vision of the Church; and on the other hand, wants to deepen the knowledge of the legacy or posterity of St. Francis de Sales.
Throughout history, in fact, in addition to the Visitandine founded by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jeanne Frances de Chantal, a series of Congregations, associations and institutions have been founded that have, in one way or another, Francis de Sales, his teachings and his spirituality as their source of inspiration.
For the first time in history, the occasion of the Conference will bring together 14 of these Congregations: "Missionaires de Saint François de Sales", "Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod", "Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart", "Sakularistitut des Heiligen Franz von Sales", "Prétres de Saint Francosi de Sales", "Salesian Sisters", "Oblates de Sint François de Sales", "Daughters of Mary Help of Christians", "Salesians of Don Bosco"... The various representatives will have the opportunity to tell how Francis de Sales inspired their founders and continues to be a source of inspiration today.
Further information will be made available on the Facebook page dedicated to the International Conference or can be requested at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
