Dear Parents and Prospective Students:

In the 1600s, St. Francis de Sales tried to debate John Calvin in Geneva so that ordinary citizens could decide between Roman Catholicism or Calvinism. St. Francis de Sales believed that ordinary people were loved by God, as much as monks and clergy. He felt that the common people were called to holiness, and that faith and reason worked together to guide people on their journey.

John Calvin refused to meet De Sales. In fact, De Sales was outlawed from the city and never was able to assume his rightful seat as Bishop of Geneva.

When another duke arrived with an army to forcefully take the city for Francis, he said, “We will take Geneva only by prayer and persuasion.” Today, the largest religious denomination in Geneva is Roman Catholic.

DeSales University shares this enthusiasm of the great saint. We like to debate and argue about the great issues of the day, knowing that faith and reason are our guides. Like Francis de Sales, we seek to develop the virtues of gentleness and strength. We like to proclaim the message of the Lord in a loving way and patiently wait for the wonderful activity of God’s grace in the world. Come join us.

Yours in Christ,                        

Fr. Bernie O’Connor, OSFS