Fr. Mathew Mamala MSFS

Every search begins with a quest and ends with a vision, however unclear that may be. This Thesis is aimed at reaching a relevant and an inclusive spirituality of Francis de sales in our context of life. The present day society is very much influenced by Mass media communication systems, religious, social customs and values of life. Any problem we do experience in our society is the result of due to lack of socio[1]economic political and spiritual order in the society. Missionary daring, patience or endurance and a sort of Creative approaches are some the salient features of the missionary spirit of St. Francis de sales.

This particular study on the spirituality of St.Francis de Sales, invites us to reflect more in correspondence with the modern situation with its advancement in technology, science and questions how far it enhance the people to reach a stage of perfection or a union with the Absolute. It further ask us to find the various means by which there can be more interaction with the people of other faith, also to grow in spiritual life to keep our equilibrium in the tension packed and insecure world.

The First chapter we look at the background of Francis de Sales. The Catholic Church from the beginning had been punctuated with terrible crisis, though it began with the Counter Reformation to recover the spiritual life. This was a period when Religion became more personal and individual. Francis was a witness to all the event of this period. In the midst of such an alarming and hardest situation, he natured a genuine Vocation to commit himself to God. The outstanding Virtues enabled him to be a staunch and powerful personality in the 16^th Century. It is quite noticeable that Francis’ devotion to the love of god was visibly seen in his life by his ardent zeal and enthusiasm, all that he did in his missionary pursuit at Chablais to win back the Catholics from the stronghold of Calvinism.

In the Second Chapter more importance is given to the various apostolate of Francis de Sales, and a special reference made to the most difficult mission of his time namely the Calvinist territory of the Chablais. This was not at all an easy task to work in this region for he had to face even threat to his life. After a long consolidating effort and hard work the conversion of Chablis took place. The personality of Francis was so charming that he undertook various apostolates among the people. The mediator and peace maker who speared no means to work for the salvation of the Souls, the primary goal of his mission, while the outstanding Virtues enabled him to become a gentleman saint with deep trust in the providence of God and practice of charity, the great pillars of his mission and Spirituality.

The third and final chapter we analyse the various types of apostolate in today's context with greater emphasis to practice charity, prayer, contemplation and evangelization through various means of Media, dialogue, Inculturation, preaching and witness of life through education of youth, and spiritual renewal in personal life and in the life of the society. All these ministries find its culmination or fulfilment in Salesian spirituality. Our world is looking for meaning in life which is fulfilled by him, with a vision of man and the universe which is full of hope.

The Spirituality of Francis is a reality in human face that continues to permeate unperceived even the secular sphere. The humanness touches the heart and a humanism which fosters and builds everything that is human. Today what one needs to long for is for a genuine interest in the growth of the other in the face of challenging situations and turmoil’s of daily life. Where one could show the real concern and care of God for each one of us by participating and entering into the lives of other be it a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. The primary principles, teachings and spirituality of Francis are to be practiced in our own situation today.

Despite the clear danger to him Francis de Sales did not hesitate to volunteer to bring back the “Lost Sheep”. Each one of us probably knows some lost sheep, friends or neighbours who do not have any faith in God or religion. Therefore let us try to encourage them to return to the faith by prayer, our own way of life, and a genuine acceptance and concern for the other, finally may the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales be an inspiration and a model for our Spiritual growth.