"At times, I think of the saints as examples that I can never live up to. I convince myself that they were perfect and I am not. And while I am certainly not perfect, each time I push myself to dive into their lives and words, I find that they renew my desire for holiness and convict me further in my faith. 

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) on January 24. I first learned about him when I was studying for my undergraduate degree in theology. Francis was a priest and later bishop who became famous for his work, “The Introduction to the Devout Life.” To be honest, his devotion led me to assume that he had no relevance for my practical life in the 21st century. I didn’t think that the writings of a priest from nearly 500 years ago could be applicable to my life and I found myself making excuses for why I could never be like him. He was a priest who lived in a different time, a time when it was easier to be faithful, I thought. I also believed, incorrectly, that living a life of intense prayer would be boring or cost me too much."

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Question to ponder: Which aspects of St Francis de Sales' spirituality appeal to you?

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