Saint Who?
Saints Who Established Schools
Saint Francisca Salesia Aviat
Foundress († 1914)Feast: January 10
“Act from patience, gentle firmness, and prayer. When a child’s heart is won over to you, you can ask anything, and she will do it.” Leonie Aviat was born in France in 1844. Educated by Visitation sisters, she thought of joining their order. But she came to realize God was calling her to different work: caring for the girls and young women who labored in the local factories and had great need of social and spiritual guidance.
Encouraged by the Salesian priest Father Louis Brisson (see “Saint Who?” of August 18), she founded the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales. As Sister Francis de Sales (or Francisca Salesia), she became an older sister for the girls, sharing their drudgery, guiding their times of recreation, and bringing them the light and comfort of the faith. Amidst much labor, she frequently prayed: “My God, it’s for you.”
In 1872, she became the community’s first superior. Under her leadership, the community opened many schools. But when a new superior was chosen, she was treated with disrespect. Yet she remained gentle and kind; when she was reelected to leadership, a young sister told her: “My Mother, truly all one has to do is offend you to be the object of your affection and special care.” She died in 1914 and was canonized in 2001.
Almighty Father, grant the spirit of forgiveness
and understanding to all who labor in
the governance of schools.
