Patron Saint, Feast Day: January 24
A preacher with great concern for poor parishes, St. Francis’ remarkable patience helped him win many souls to the faith. St. Francis was a prolific writer and left behind many great works of literature. He is known as the patron saint of journalists and writers.
“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”
– St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
In 1902, Archbishop, Michael A. Corrigan entrusted the care of the newly formed parish of St. Francis de Sales to the Missionary Fathers of La Salette. The La Salette order was founded seven years after the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at La Salette, France September, 19, 1846.
The first pastor was Rev. M. Julien Ginet, M.S., architect and builder of the current Phoenicia church. The cost of the church including pews, altar and stained glass windows was $9,000 dollars. With the help of local volunteers and generous donations of residents and summer visitors, the beautiful stone-constructed church in Phoenicia was dedicated on Sunday, August 21, 1904.
After one hundred years, the Missionary Fathers of La Salette returned pastoral care of St. Francis de Sales Parish to the Archdiocese of New York in 2003. That same year, the larger Shine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, Massachusetts, was designated a new National Shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Directly across the street from the church is a beautiful shrine and grotto dedicated to our Blessed Mother. A winding path near the grotto leads to an adjacent Meditation Garden where parishioners and visitors can spend a few moments to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.