24/01/2026
On Friendships with Women and Francis de sales
Celebrating the feast of Saint Francis de Sales today is more than simply remembering a saint from history. It is also a chance for us to return to a very beautiful truth: God often shapes great missions through gentle hearts and holy friendships.
Saint Francis de Sales is known for his kindness, wisdom, and his gift for helping people grow closer to God—especially ordinary believers who wanted to live a holy life in the middle of daily responsibilities. That is why his book, Introduction to the Devout Life, became so loved and so influential. It was written with a simple message: you don’t need to be perfect to begin; you just need to begin with love.
What is especially touching about Saint Francis de Sales is the way he formed deep and respectful spiritual friendships with women. He listened to them, guided them, and encouraged them to become strong in faith, not by controlling them, but by walking with them. His gentleness made people feel safe. His words gave people courage. His friendship helped souls grow.
And in a very real way, this spirit also touched and influenced our Founder, Saint Vincent de Paul.
Saint Vincent is remembered today as a giant of charity and service to the poor. But the truth is: Vincent did not build his mission alone. He could not have. And he never tried to.
God placed around him women who became not only supporters, but true companions in mission—women with faith, influence, resources, and a heart for the poor. We remember Madame de Gondi, whose trust opened doors for Vincent’s early missionary work. We remember Saint Louise de Marillac, who became Vincent’s closest collaborator and a pillar of the Vincentian mission—helping organize works of charity and forming a community that continues to serve the poorest until today.
In that time, women in nobility were often the ones who could make things possible—because they had connections, education, and access to society. But what mattered most was not their status. What mattered was this: their compassion moved them, and their love for God pushed them to act.
Through them, Vincent’s mission became stronger, wider, and more fruitful. And through their friendship and collaboration, we are reminded that the Church’s mission is never the work of one person—it is always the work of a community.
So today, as we honor Saint Francis de Sales, we also thank God for the quiet power of holy friendship—friendship that supports, strengthens, challenges, and inspires. The saints became saints not because they were strong alone, but because they allowed God to work through others beside them.
May Saint Francis de Sales teach us again to be gentle.
May Saint Vincent de Paul remind us again to serve with humility.
And may we, as Church, learn to walk together—trusting that God builds His mission through hearts that love, and friendships that become blessings.
