From St Francis de Sales

Stained glass from Baker City Cathedral, made in 1923.

We celebrate today the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists, my patron saint during my stay at the Cathedral dedicated to him in Baker City, Oregon. He was born in 1567, ordained a priest in 1593. In1602 he was made Bishop of Geneva, died in 1622 and was canonized 33 years later in 1655. In his book ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’ St Francis de Sales encourages us to do what children do when tempted or facing a bear or a wolf while in the country – they run for protection next to their parents, or at least call for help. So should we all do when tempted – run to Our Father. As Jesus said in the prayer He taught us ‘lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ If temptation persists there is yet another remedy – hang on to the cross, as if you are hugging Jesus himself on the cross. Pray for help. Do not accept those temptations and never let your eyes settle on them. Look only at the Lord, and your courage will increase. Another way of overcoming temptation is to turn your attention to something completely different, work on one of your hobbies, go for a walk, read a book, watch a good movie or listen to some great music.