St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Writers

Yes, I’m a little late for Finding Something Friday. But Sunday’s a good day, too, don’t you think?

A friend gave me a holy card of St. Francis de Sales because he’s known as the patron saint of writers and journalists. I didn’t know St. Francis de Sales was my occupation’s patron saint, but I’m glad to have one. Most of the time, I call upon St. Anthony of Padua, who’s the patron saint of lost articles. He is a very handy saint to have around, no matter how old you are, but he’s been working overtime for me in the last couple years.

What I really loved about the holy card from my friend was the prayer on the back. It’s commonly referred to as “Be at Peace.” I think it’s the perfect prayer for writers who often get anxious about so much that is beyond their control, and perhaps because we have the kind of imagination that easily gets out of control. But I also think it’s the kind of prayer that comforts us all, at any time in our lives.

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely
through all things;

And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you
in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you today and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you
unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and
imaginations.

Now that I think about it, Sunday’s the perfect day for a prayer–and peace to my writer friends!

14 thoughts on “St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Writers”

Oh love this! I did know that about him because I looked it up years ago when I needed all the help I could get. St. Anthony's a pal of mine, too.

This is a wonderful prayer to keep in mind during the tough times. I'm going to have to take a copy to keep on hand. Blessings to you today.

Krysten, I was familiar with Fransic de Sales because of the Salesians, but had no idea he was the patron saint of writers. Boy, that saint wrote a TON of stuff!And I'm glad you like the prayer, Sally. Blessings to you today, too!

Hi Cathy,Thanks for posting such a peacful prayer.In the past I have asked St. Francis de Sales for help for writing. I also call on the Holy Spirit for inspiration.Donna

And, you forgot his most famous saying, "Life is but a dream, Sh-Boomm Sh-Boom."

Oh that silly Bill. Thanks for this lovely post. When I was a kid we lived near St. Francis De Sales church, an ornate cathedral. The church bells rang on the hour, and we kids used to have to be home by the time the eight bells rang.St. Anthony and I are on a first name basis. "Tony, I have to find…"

Donna, the Spirit's inspired me many times, too (called upon or not!).And now, Bill, I'll be sh-booming all day. ;-)Linda, your church story reminded me of the bells at St. Michael's at Tybee. If we were still on the beach at 6:00 (when they rang), we'd hightail it home, too!

That was lovely, Cathy. Thank you for sharing.And I always thought St Jude would make a good patron saint for writers – isn't he the saint of the impossible? 🙂

Wow, I almost cried when I read that. It really is beautiful. Thanks for the reminder that God is in control. (And yes, that was the perfect Sunday post – even if you found it on Friday!)

Thanks. I needed that.

Love that prayer. Thanks.

I'm glad y'all liked that prayer…and Madeline, I like St. Jude, too. He's the patron saint of hopeless cases. Um, I think our writing's better than THAT. 🙂

That's a beautiful prayer, Cath, and very comforting to me since my dad died Friday morning. St. Bede (we knew him in schoo as Venerable Bed) was also a writer.