Novena in Honour of St.Francis de Sales 

(15th to 23rd January 2025)

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My dear Confreres,

This novena reflection entails six parts; (1) Word of God, (2) Words of St.  Francis De Sales, (3) Reflection, (4) Call to Action, (5) Personal readings and reflections, and (6) Concluding Prayer. The reflections are centred on the scripture passage. The reflection concludes with a prayer, invoking the intercession of our Heavenly Patron St Francis de Sales to intercede for us and to inspire us to be an effective witness to Christ in our lives.

On behalf of our beloved Superior General Very Rev. Fr Abraham Vettuvelil, the General Curia, and Fr. Wilson Abraham the Co-Director of DSM, I would like to thank and appreciate Rev. Fr Lalji Pattathil, for his inspiring reflection, and readiness to contribute his deep and insightful reflections for the novena in preparation for the Feast of our Patron, St Francis de Sales. He is presently secretary to the Fransalian Technical Institute, Principal of Fransalian Technical Institute, Aurangabad and in Charge of the Non-Formal Department.

May God continue to bless us through the intercession of our Patron. Let us imbue the spirit and spirituality of St Francis de Sales in our lives.

St Francis de Sales – Pray for us.

Fr. Naveen Nirmal MSFS

The Director of DSM, Hyderabad

Day-1 (15/1): HUMILITY AS THE FOUNDATION OF DEVOTION

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-8

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

The true foundation of devotion is humility, for humility keeps our hearts fixed on God and our actions in line with His will. As a humble soul, you will never trust in yourself but only in God, and in doing so, you shall grow in perfect love and devotion. To become more Christ-like, cherish the hidden life of Jesus—His humility in the crib, in His hidden years, and on the cross. Strive to imitate this profound humility, and it will sanctify your soul. (IDL Bk.3, Ch.5)

Reflection

Humility is not mere self-deprecation but an acknowledgment of God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. It leads us to surrender our will, trusting God in every aspect of life. St. Francis de Sales reminds us that humility is the fertile soil where the seeds of virtue are sown and nurtured.

Ø  Am I able to see God’s hand in my successes and failures?

Ø  Do I humbly acknowledge my limitations and seek God’s grace to overcome them?

Ø  How do I respond to challenges to my ego or personal pride?

Call to Action

Today, let us focus on practicing humility in our thoughts and interactions. Choose to listen more attentively to others, admit mistakes, and offer every success and challenge to God in gratitude and trust.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle and humble St. Francis de Sales, teach us to seek humility in all we do. Help us to see Christ in our daily lives and to imitate His humility and obedience. Lord, grant that I may follow the example of St. Francis de Sales, who joyfully embraced interior humility as the path to holiness. Through his intercession, may I persevere in prayer, grow in virtue, and become ever more united to Your Sacred Heart. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-2 (16/1): PERSEVERANCE AS THE PATHWAY TO HOLINESS

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Perseverance is an essential virtue that governs the soul’s journey toward God. It is the steady, unwavering effort to hold fast to our commitment to Him despite trials, distractions, or frustrations. Remember, it is not our strength that matters but our resolve to remain faithful. Even when we falter, a humble heart can pick itself up and continue to strive for holiness, relying on divine grace rather than human prowess. (IDL Bk. 5, Ch. 3)

Reflection

Perseverance is more than simply enduring hardships; it is an active choice to remain faithful to God’s will in every circumstance. St. Francis de Sales reinforces that perseverance requires a steadfast commitment to our spiritual journey, fuelled by love and trust in God. It is in the face of trials that our true character is revealed, and it is during these moments that we must remember to lean on God’s grace.

Ø    Am I committed to my spiritual journey, even when I encounter obstacles?

Ø    Do I maintain faith in God’s plan for me, particularly in challenging times?

Ø    How can I encourage others in their struggles to persevere in faith?

Call to Action

As we reflect on perseverance, let us adopt a mindset of determination. Today, consciously choose to face any challenge with faith, whether it be in personal trials, relationships, or our service to others. When adversity strikes, take a moment to pray for strength and clarity, reminding ourselves that God’s grace is always sufficient.

Concluding Prayer

St. Francis de Sales, gentle guide and devoted servant of God, instil in me the virtue of perseverance. Help me to turn to prayer in moments of challenge and to embrace each struggle as an opportunity for growth and deeper communion with Christ. Lord, inspire me to follow the example of St. Francis de Sales, and through his intercession, may I persistently strive toward the crown of righteousness, united in love with Your Sacred Heart. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-3 (17/1): MEEKNESS AS A REFLECTION OF TRUE STRENGTH

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Meekness is the virtue that keeps our hearts steady and our passions in check. It is a gentle strength that recognizes our own weakness while trusting in God’s strength. True meekness does not waver in the face of adversity or injustice. Just as Christ exhibited meekness—free of anger, yet filled with zeal—so too are we called to embody this divine quality. When we nurture a spirit of meekness, we create a welcoming space for God’s grace and peace in our hearts and in the world around us. (IDL Bk. 4, Ch. 16)

Reflection

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, yet it is one of the most profound expressions of strength. It invites us to surrender our egos and desires to God’s will, allowing His love and guidance to shape our responses to life’s challenges. St. Francis de Sales teaches that meekness involves a gentle spirit, the ability to control our reactions and a deep trust in divine providence.

Ø    Do I understand meekness as a source of inner strength rather than passivity?

Ø    How do I respond to conflicts or disagreements? Am I able to remain calm and collected?

Ø    How can I cultivate a spirit of meekness in my daily interactions with others?

Call to Action

Today, let us strive to embody meekness in our thoughts, words, and actions. In challenging situations, choose to respond with humility instead of defensiveness. Practice patience and gentleness, especially when facing criticism or provocation. Let us remember that true meekness allows God’s peace to flow through us and into the world.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle and meek St. Francis de Sales, guide us in embracing the virtue of meekness. Teach us to respond to the trials of life and to others with compassion and patience, just as Christ did. Lord, help me to follow the example of St. Francis de Sales, who exemplified true meekness, and through his intercession, may I cultivate a gentle spirit that invites Your grace and brings about healing and unity in the hearts of those I encounter. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-4 (18/1): SIMPLICITY AS THE PATH TO HOLINESS

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:2-4

“Calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Simplicity is the harmony of the heart, the pure intention of the soul. When we approach God with a simple heart, we do not complicate our relationship with Him with vain thoughts or self-referential concerns. A soul that is simple is straightforward in love, pure in its desires, and unwavering in faith. Let your desires be as uncomplicated as the heart of a child, for it is in simplicity that true joy resides.”(IDL Bk. 2, Ch. 4) 

Reflection

Simplicity is more than a lack of complexity; it is an intentional choice to seek clarity and purity in our relationship with God. St. Francis de Sales emphasizes that simplicity fosters a direct connection to the divine, allowing us to align our desires with God’s will unencumbered by distractions or pretensions.

Ø    Am I able to express my thoughts and prayers to God without reservation or pretense?

Ø    Do I seek to understand my faith in a way that is vibrant and uncomplicated?

Ø    How can I clear the clutter from my spiritual life to focus on what truly matters?

Call to Action

Today, strive to embody simplicity in your daily life. Take time to consider your intentions and desires; focus on what is essential—your relationship with God and love for others. Practice straightforwardness in your conversations, be genuine in your actions, and seek joy in simple moments.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle and wise St. Francis de Sales, guide me in my journey toward simplicity. Please help me cast aside the complexities that distract me and approach my faith with child-like trust and sincerity. Lord, teach me to live simply, with a heart unburdened by the worries of this world. Through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales, help me grow in humility and trust, becoming a mirror of Your grace to those around me. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-5 (19/1): CHARITY AS THE HEART OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Charity is patient and kind; charity is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Charity is the queen of virtues, the bond that binds us to God and to one another. In our daily lives, we must strive to cultivate a heart full of love that extends beyond ourselves. In showing charity, we imitate the divine love of God that is ever-merciful and unconditional. Remember, charity is not merely about grand gestures, but also the small acts of kindness we perform every day, revealing the presence of God in the world. (IDL Bk. 10, Ch.10)

Reflection

Charity is the essence of our Christian calling. St. Francis de Sales teaches that genuine love is expressed not only in feelings but also through actions that enrich and uplift others. Charity invites us to see Christ in those around us and respond with compassion.

Ø    How do I express love and charity in my daily encounters?

Ø    Am I intentional about helping others, particularly those who may be unable to repay my kindness?

Ø    How can I improve my practice of charity, both in grand acts and in the daily challenges of life?

Call to Action

Today, let us consciously commit acts of charity. Whether it’s giving a kind word, lending a helping hand, or offering a listening ear, let our actions reflect the heart of Christ. Consider setting aside time for a specific grace-filled act of charity that can make a difference in someone’s life.

Concluding Prayer

O loving St. Francis de Sales, inspire us to embody charity in all our actions. Teach us to see Christ within every person we encounter and to respond with love and kindness. Lord, grant that I may follow the example of St. Francis de Sales, who cherished charity as the highest virtue. Through his intercession, may I cultivate a heart open to serve and eager to share in the plight of others. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-6 (20/1): PATIENCE AS A DIVINE VIRTUE  

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Patience is the companion of wisdom; it teaches us to bear trials and tribulations with grace. A patient heart is open to God’s timing and is enriched with humility and understanding. Like a farmer who waits for the harvest, we, too, must cultivate our souls with patience, knowing that God’s plan unfolds in His perfect time. Through patience, we learn to embrace our shortcomings and to trust in God’s providential love that leads us to our ultimate good. (IDL Bk. 11, Ch. 1)

Reflection

Patience is an active virtue that allows us to endure difficulties with hope and trust. It is not merely waiting but a joyful acceptance of circumstances as they come, believing that God’s timing is best. St. Francis de Sales encourages us to remain steadfast in our trials, seeing them as opportunities for growth and spiritual deepening. With patience, we nurture our relationship with God, allowing the seeds of faith to blossom entirely.

Ø  Can I surrender my impatience to God in times of waiting or struggle?

Ø  How do I maintain a positive and trusting outlook when faced with delays or obstacles?

Ø  Can my faith guide me in cultivating patience in relationships and personal challenges?

Call to Action

Today, let us consciously practice patience. When faced with irritations, delays, or unfulfilled desires, pause and reflect on how these moments can strengthen our faith. Pray for patience in your heart, seeking to embody the peace that comes from trusting in God’s timing.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle St. Francis de Sales, help us to seek your wisdom in every trial and to understand that our delays and challenges are not without purpose. May we learn to wait with a joyful heart, knowing that each moment of endurance brings us closer to grace. Lord, grant that I may follow the example of St. Francis de Sales, who endured trials with unwavering faith. Through his intercession, may I become steadfast in prayer and grow in the virtue of patience, reflecting the love and peace of Your Sacred Heart. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day) 

Day-7 (21/1): FAITHFULNESS AS THE HEART OF DEVOTION

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:2

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Faithfulness consists in a steady perseverance in our good resolutions, a constant fidelity to God’s will in all circumstances of our lives. We have a responsibility to honor God through our daily actions and to uphold our commitments with integrity. Just as a gardener nurtures his plants with care, so too must we cultivate our hearts, ensuring they remain dedicated to God’s service amidst the ebb and flow of life’s trials. (IDL Bk. 2, Ch. 2)

Reflection

Faithfulness goes beyond mere loyalty; it is an active commitment to living out our faith through tangible actions and unwavering trust in God. St. Francis de Sales illuminates the importance of faithfulness as a guiding principle in our spiritual lives. It urges us to remain steadfast, choosing to align our hearts with God’s purpose, no matter the circumstances.

Ø  Am I consistent in my commitments, both to God and to others?

Ø  How do I respond when my faith is challenged?

Ø  How can I strengthen my resolve to be faithful in small and large tasks?

Call to Action

Today, let us recommit ourselves to faithfulness in our daily lives. Please take a moment to reflect on your personal, professional, or spiritual responsibilities and make it your intention to uphold them with integrity.

Reach out to someone you may have let down and reaffirm your commitment to nurturing that relationship.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle and faithful St. Francis de Sales, teach us to embrace our responsibilities with joy and humility, recognizing them as opportunities to grow closer to Christ. Lord, cultivate in me a spirit of faithfulness like that of St. Francis de Sales to honour my commitments and to persevere in prayer and good deeds. Through his intercession, may my life be a testament to Your unwavering love and fidelity. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-8 (22/1): DILIGENCE IN THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:24

“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labour.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Diligence is the mother of good fortune, and as no one can make progress in any virtue without an industrious heart, so it is also true that one who lacks diligence will never reach the heights of holiness. Those who aspire to live out their faith actively and lovingly must embrace diligence in their daily lives, allowing it to guide their thoughts, words, and actions. Strive to commit yourself fully to your spiritual life, making every effort to nurture your relationship with God and others, knowing that your diligence leads to the blessings of His grace.”(IDL Bk. 2, Ch. 2)

Reflection

Diligence is more than mere hard work; it is a dedicated and consistent pursuit of God and the virtues He desires in us. St. Francis de Sales emphasizes that spiritual growth does not happen by chance; it requires daily effort and commitment. When we approach our faith diligently, we open ourselves to God’s grace, allowing Him to work through us.

Ø  Am I committed to daily practices that strengthen my faith?

Ø  Do I seek God in all areas of my life, or do I leave it to chance?

Ø  How can I integrate diligence into my spiritual, familial, and community responsibilities?

Call to Action

Today, let us deliberate on channeling our diligence into our spiritual journey, committing to prayer, service, and intentional study. Set specific goals for your spiritual growth and take tangible steps towards achieving them. This dedication to diligence will not only enhance your own growth but also positively influence those around you.

Concluding Prayer

O dear St. Francis de Sales, teach us to dedicate ourselves to prayer and service in a spirit of love and humility. May our diligent efforts bring us closer to God and radiate His love to others. Help us see that our work for God is a reflection of our love for Him. Lord, grant us the ardour to pursue diligence in all our endeavours. Through his intercession, may we grow in virtue and steadfastness, revealing Your light and love in the world. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

Day-9 (23/1): TEMPERANCE AS A PATH TO TRUE FREEDOM

Click here to listen to a Hymn based on this theme

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law.”

St. Francis de Sales Says:

Temperance is the moderation of our appetites, which, when practiced, brings our passions under the dominion of reason and grace. It is not the suppression of our desires but their rightful ordering, allowing us to respond to God’s call with a purified heart. Through temperance, we find strength to say no to excess and yes to holiness, enabling us to live fully in the presence of God. Like Christ, who fasted and prayed, we too must seek the balance that leads to a truly free and joyful life. (IDL Bk. 3, Ch. 16)

Reflection

Temperance is often misunderstood as mere restraint or rigidity. However, St. Francis de Sales teaches us that it is about ordering our desires and pleasures in a way that harmonizes with God’s will. True freedom comes not from indulging every appetite but from mastering them in light of faith.

Ø  Do I allow my desires to dictate my actions, or do I strive to bring them under the governance of my faith?

Ø  In my daily life, how do I practice moderation and balance?

Ø  What are the areas in my life where I might be excessive, and how can I approach them with temperance?

Call to Action

Today, let us commit to practicing temperance in great and small ways. Whether it’s in our eating habits, our use of technology, or our responses to stress, let us strive for moderation. Take a moment to reflect on your day and identify one area where you can practice self-control, offering your efforts to God as a means of growing closer to Him.

Concluding Prayer

O gentle and wise St. Francis de Sales, teach us to rightly order our desires and passions to find true freedom in following God’s path. May your example inspire us to live with balance, reflecting the love and peace of Christ in all we do. Lord, through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales, may I learn to moderate my desires and cultivate a heart that longs for holiness. Help me to embrace the path of temperance, so that I may grow in virtue and remain ever united to Your Sacred Heart. Amen.

• Our Father…., Hail Mary……, Glory be….

• Novena Prayer to St. Francis de Sales (see at the end of this page)

• St. Francis de Sales… Pray for us.

• Hymn to St. Francis de Sales  (See after the 9th day)

HYMN TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

While Heaven Proclaims O Francis

While heaven proclaims O Francis,

Thy glory fair and bright,

Our earthly choirs are chanting,

Thy praise in festive hymns

Thou glory of the Church.

In thy eternal joy,

O listen to our prayers,

That we may follow thee.

In youthful strength and vigour,

Thou spurnest earthly joys,

And rushest holy warrior,

To join the hosts of Christ.

Thy heart is brave and mighty,

In fighting heresies

And dreaded are thy triumphs

By mankind’s hellish foes

Thou bringest back as Bishop

The sheep that went astray

Thus of the perfect shepherd

Thou art the most accurate type.

PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Dear St. Francis de Sales/, by your life and in your writings/ you teach us to follow Christ/ by loving God, our Father/ and all other persons. / Obtain for us the grace to be led by the Holy Spirit/, so that we show our love for God/ by fidelity to prayer/, by diligence in our work/, by our cheerful service of others.

Teach us to be patient, forgiving, kind, and helpful to all. Help us face the difficulties and sufferings of life with a heart full of trust in God, our ever-loving Father.

Dear St. Francis/, while on earth /you were always ready to help/ those in need/. Come to our aid/ and obtain for us from God/, through the intercession of Our Lady/, the special grace for which we now pray. (Pause)

O gentle St. Francis, bless our homes with your presence. May our hearts glow with love for God and a sincere concern for others so that our lives may show the blessings of your patronage in word and deed.

Amen.

Let us pray:

O God who for the salvation of souls, was pleased that blessed Francis, your confessor and bishop become all to all men, mercifully grant that being plentifully enriched with the sweetness of your charity, by the help of his merits, we may obtain life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.