When I think of St. Francis de Sales the first word that comes to my mind is gentleness. Gentleness and humility are often seen as signs of weakness. But in reality only a person who is very strong can be humble and gentle. I don’t think anyone would describe Francis as weak once they have read of his experiences when he went to bring the protestant Calvinists back to the Catholic Church.

We joyfully celebrate the Feast of one of our patrons today, St. Francis De Sales, ‘The Gentleman Saint’ What do we know of this holy man of God? Francis was born into a noble French family in France on 21st August 1567. He was educated at the Capuchin College in Annecy and the University of Padua.

I have always loved the title of Sr. Rosemary’s book on the history of the Congregation: ‘A Heart for Others’  It certainly sums up the life of Fr. Braun   

The Spirituality, Charism and Mission of Fr. Victor Braun arrived in Cebu, Philippines in May 2000, 16 years ago. We give thanks to God for the pioneering Sisters whose great love of Jesus and the Poor brought them here.

Inter-relatedness began about 14 billion years ago when the universe was dreamed into being. Certain experts, with a lamentable lack of poetic feeling, call this event “The Big Bang," but "The Flaring Forth" seems a happier and more appropriate term for the Creator's handiwork of a universe studded with countless billions of stars.