Confident his son would follow in his footsteps as a lawyer, senator and husband, François de Sales de Boisy never anticipated the greatness the young Francis was to achieve.

Francis started on the path to magistracy as his father intended by attending a Jesuit college in Paris, but a theology course changed his trajectory. He was despondent as he listened to current theological discussions about predestination, which prompted his search for hope. Francis landed on his knees before the Blessed Mother and made a vow of chastity as he consecrated himself to the Virgin Mary.

Still, Francis worked toward and received his doctorate in law. His father even chose a wife for him. But Francis, still desiring the priesthood, refused marriage and signed his title as senator over to his younger brother. François gave in, and Francis finally received Holy Orders in 1593.

An excellent catechist and gifted writer, Francis, only 27 years old, entered the Protestant city of Chablais (now part of eastern France) and began distributing pamphlets containing short treatises on Catholic doctrine. By the end of this four-year effort, 72,000 souls had returned to the Catholic faith. By age 35, Francis de Sales became bishop of Geneva and never ceased his preaching as he heard confessions and continued to catechize children. In addition to the many pamphlets, Francis also authored books, sermons, treatises and letters as he kept himself busy converting souls before he died at the age of 56.

Francis was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877. His pure devotion to and love for God are evident from his popular works such as Treatise on the Love of God and An Introduction to the Devout Life. Still recommended frequently by spiritual directors to persons in all walks of life, An Introduction to the Devout Life is a practical guide for anyone pursuing a life of devotion.