He became bishop of Geneva, though he could never live in the city itself. His book Introduction to the Devout Life, published in 1609, argued something radical for the time: that holiness wasn’t just for monks and nuns but for soldiers, shopkeepers, married people and courtiers. He was famous for his gentleness, which didn’t come naturally. He said it took him years to master his temper.
Historical Context
“Be at Peace” (attributed to St Francis de Sales)
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you tomorrow and every day.
Either he will shield you from suffering,
or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.
A Prayer to St Francis de Sales
St Francis de Sales, you showed that ordinary people can be holy.
Pray that I find God in my work, my family and my everyday duties.
Make me gentle with others,
and patient with myself.
Amen.
A Prayer for Writers and Journalists
St Francis, patron of writers,
help me write what is true, clear and kind.
Let my words build up and not tear down.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 24 January, his feast.
- When anxious about the future.
- Before writing, reporting or publishing.
- When struggling with anger or impatience.
Scripture Connection
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” — Matthew 6:34
“Be at peace” is really a commentary on these words of Jesus. Tomorrow belongs to the same Father who’s taking care of today.
Related prayers
For other Doctors of the Church, see the St Teresa of Avila Prayer and St Jerome Prayer. For creative work, the Prayer for Creativity.