MSFS celebrates St. Francis feast

MSFS has celebrated the feast of St. Francis de Sales- bishop and doctor of the church, the patron saint of the MSFS Congregation and Christian writers – at SFS Seminary, Medziphema, on January 24.
Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration along with many other priests from other institutions in Dimapur.
The Bishop, in his homily, has highlighted the priestly ministry of St. Francis de Sales, who despite all opposition from his aristocratic family became a priest.
Quoting St. Francis, the bishop exhorted saying, one learns to work by working, to study by studying, and to love by loving. The bishop also thanked the MSFS Congregation for the great work they carry out in various parishes in the diocese.
Born in 1567 in Savoy, Francis was sent to study rhetoric, humanities and law in preparation for a political career. But he had strong resolve to hold on to religious celibacy and had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. These clashed with the wishes of his father who had already arranged marriage for him.
Despite all oppositions from his family, he was ordained a priest in 1593. Thereafter, he volunteered to work in Switzerland in spite of many deprivation and oppositions. He single handedly re-converted thousands of Calvinists through his gentle ways, erudite sermons, personal spiritual direction and well written tracts that he placed under the door of his friends and foes alike. 
His book “Introduction to the devout life” became a Christina classic that helped many lay people to come closer to God. He was a precursor to the idea that all are called to holiness, as enunciated by the Second Vatican Council. St. Francis de Sales was no stranger to unpopularity. He helped the future saint Jean Frances de Chantal through his spiritual direction who later founded a women’s religious order to care for the abandoned girls.
He died in 1622 in Lyons and was canonized in1665 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1877.
Rev. Fr. Augustine MSFS, Rector of the Seminary, welcomed all the guests at the beginning of the celebration while the seminarians sang melodious tunes during the Holy Eucharist.
Many Sisters and many other invited guests along with the Seminarians were present for the celebration.
The celebration culminated with a family meal during which the seminarians put up some musical pieces. The parish community of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Medziphema, would celebrate the feast on January 25 during which Fr. Bosco, SDB, the Vice Provincial, would be the main celebrant. The Eucharistic procession and community meal would be the other highlights of the celebration.