A Prayer in Time of Trial

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis De Sales. He was born in 1567, in a French border region, he was the son of the Lord of Boisy, an ancient and noble family of Savoy. His life straddled two centuries, the 16th and 17th, and he summed up in himself the best of the teachings and cultural achievements of the century drawing to a close, reconciling the heritage of humanism striving for the Absolute that is proper to mystical currents. Entire of his life centered on God’s Word: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:29) At the climax of his trial, he went to the Dominicans’ church in Paris, opened his heart and prayed in these words: “Whatever happens, Lord, you who hold all things in your hand and whose ways are justice and truth; whatever you have ordained for me... you who are ever a just judge and a merciful Father, I will love you Lord.... I will love you here, O my God, and I will always hope in your mercy and will always repeat your praise.... O Lord Jesus you will always be my hope and my salvation in the land of the living” (I Proc. Canon., Vol. I, art. 4).

In honor St. Francis De Sales, I invite you to reread his prayer, learn from him to serve others, and be a witness of God’s love and mercy in all circumstances.

Hail Mary full of grace...

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen