Saint François Régis, also known as Saint Jean-François Régis, was a French Jesuit priest born January 31, 1597 in Fontcouverte, in Languedoc, and died December 30, 1640 in La Louvesc, in Ardèche. He is famous for his missionary work in rural 17th-century France.
Youth and training
François Régis was born into a noble and pious family. He was educated at a Jesuit college in Béziers and later studied philosophy in Toulouse. In 1616, he entered the Society of Jesus in Toulouse.
Missionary in France
After being ordained a priest in 1630, François Régis was sent as a missionary to the rural regions of Vivarais, Haute-Loire and Vivarais in France. He worked to convert Protestants and heretics, as well as to reconcile feuding families.
François Régis traveled miles on foot in the mountains and valleys, often in winter, to preach the word of God. He built chapels and churches in the most remote villages and established brotherhoods to help the poor and sick.
Miracles and canonization
François Régis is famous for the many miracles he performed, such as healing illnesses and converting sinners. He is also known for his compassion towards the poor and the sick, and for his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
After his death in 1640, François Régis was quickly venerated as a saint by the local population. He was beatified in 1716 by Pope Clement XI and canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII.
Heritage and devotion
Saint Francis Regis is revered as the patron saint of missionaries, preachers, farmers and cattle ranchers. His feast day is celebrated on June 16.
His legacy includes his missionary work in rural France, as well as his dedication to the poor and sick. He is also known for his many miracles, which strengthened the faith of Catholics of his time and continue to inspire the faithful today.
His life and work are an example of the importance of mission and charity in Christian life. Her devotion to the Virgin Mary is also an example of the central place of the Mother of God in the Catholic faith.
Guitton, René. Saint François Régis : L'apôtre des campagnes. Paris : Éditions de l'Emmanuel, 2005.
Marie de Saint Joseph. La vie de saint François Régis. Lyon : Éditions du Saint-Esprit, 1938.
L'Encyclopédie catholique. Article sur Saint François Régis. Paris : Éditions du Clergé, 1856-1872.
Bégin, Pierre. Les Jésuites et la France : Histoire et influence de la Compagnie de Jésus. Paris : Librairie Plon, 1907.
Archives du Vatican. Documents relatifs à la béatification et à la canonisation de Saint François Régis. Vatican, 1716-1737.
Fontaine, Jean. Le Martyre et les Miracles : Saint François Régis et la tradition de la sainteté. Paris : Éditions du Seuil, 1984.
