By Ling L.
In 2003, I joined this organization focusing on the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. What is the difference between St. Francis de Sales’ spirituality and that of other saints? On one level there is no difference in the good news all the saints left with us through their encounters with the Holy Spirit. Yet the ways and means through which each tried so hard to communicate with us are not quite the same. To me as a humble beginner in my own journey, St. Francis de Sales’ spirituality is best described by its core virtues of humility, simplicity, gentleness and balance.
To become a Son or Daughter of St. Francis de Sales is a long but rewarding process. First, it involves 12 weeks as an aspirant, followed by two years of “formation” before “consecration.” The formation involves reviewing monthly one particular spiritual virtue guided by a written booklet or “probation,” prayer, reflection and consultation of supplemental resources of the Catholic Church. There are monthly group meetings and yearly retreats. One grows in a rather natural, relaxed and enriching atmosphere with the presence of the Holy Spirit. During the entire process, one will be assigned a committed companion who will walk the long journey with you as a guide. At the end of the journey you will be consecrated to become a true Salesian disciple, if that is your wish.
I joined the association last summer. It all began with the book, “Introduction to the Devout Life,” by St. Francis de Sales, which I borrowed from a dear friend. Three years later I spotted in a weekly church bulletin a 3-line invitation to a tea party in the home of an associate in a neighboring parish. I called the number for more information; little did I know that phone call would lead me to discover the treasure of a lifetime.
For the last year, I have basked in the sunlight of the joyful and serene ladies in the association. I am also fortunate to have Jennifer H. as my companion. Jennifer and I met monthly at the picnic table, coffee shop or wherever we could to review my progress in the formation program. We also tried to recapture a glimmer of what happened on top of the mountain in Annecy back in the 17th century.
Once you are in the St. Francis de Sales Association, you can’t help notice the unending growth from within and the vitality one gains from the gatherings with members. The light of St. Francis de Sales’ flame still shines brightly.
