St. Francis deSales, whose feast is January 24, is the patron saint of journalists.

Born in Savoy, France in 1567, Francis came from a wealthy family and obtained a Doctor of Law degree at age 24. Driven by his father to seek status and notoriety, he ignored his call from God for many years and was ordained a priest at age 43.

In the late 1500s, Christianity was at a low point while people were divided by bitter disputes. Francis and his cousin selflessly agreed to enter dangerous areas of France to encourage Catholics to return to their faith. Subjected to insults and physical violence, the two men did not abandon their work and continued with their ministry.

Francis was named the Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland and co-founded a religious order of sisters with the help of St. Jane Frances de Chantal.

He authored two books: "treatise on the Love of God" and "Introduction to the Devout Life."

Bishop de Sales died at age 56. He was delcared a saint by Pope Innocent X in 1965 for his heroic dedication to the church and received the special title of Doctor of the Church.

St Francis deSales Church in Mount Carbon is dedicated to the memory of this Patron Saint of journalism.