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Gospel in Art: Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor


Saint Francis de Sales, 18th century, hand-coloured engraving, fabric, lace ©Metropolitan Museum, New York

Saint Francis de Sales, 18th century, hand-coloured engraving, fabric, lace ©Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 24 January 2025
Mark 3:13-19

At that time: Jesus went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named Apostles, so that they might be with him, and he might send them out to preach, and have authority to cast out demons.

He appointed the Twelve: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder; Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Reflection on the Prayer Card

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born into a noble family in the Duchy of Savoy, he was initially groomed for a life of power and privilege. However, he felt a strong calling to the priesthood, despite his family's objections. After studying law and theology at the University of Padua, he was ordained a priest. His mission began in the Calvinist stronghold of Chablais, where his compassionate approach and persuasive writings led many back to Catholicism. Renowned for his dedication to the spiritual needs of the people, Francis emphasised God's love and the importance of personal holiness, appealing to both the learned and the ordinary.

Appointed Bishop of Geneva in 1602, a role he carried out from Annecy due to the Protestant occupation of Geneva, Francis de Sales became known as a shepherd who led by example. He co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, a congregation dedicated to helping women live a devout life outside the constraints of cloistered monasticism. His seminal work, Introduction to the Devout Life, remains a spiritual classic, offering practical guidance on achieving holiness in everyday life. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877, Francis is revered as the patron saint of writers, journalists, and those seeking patience and humility.

I share with you an 18th century prayer card, further embellished in the 19th century. The history of prayer cards depicting saints dates back several centuries, with their origins rooted in the broader tradition of devotional imagery in Catholic Europe. By the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, elaborately crafted prayer cards became a popular means of inspiring spiritual devotion. These images were often composed of cut and reassembled prints, adorned with vivid paint, fabric, and other decorative materials, such as lace and silk in our present example. Far from being simple creations of amateur artisans, many of these works were professionally produced by dedicated workshops, particularly in regions such as Antwerp and Southern Germany. Their richly coloured and multi-textured designs were crafted to captivate the senses, stimulating both optical and tactile engagement.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-3-13-19-2025/

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