St Francis de Sales: The Bee and the Blossoms is a collection of peer-reviewed academic papers by various Maltese authors covering different aspects of the saint.

“Wisdom, humility, gentleness and pastoral zeal are the qualities for which St. Francis de Sales is mostly known. Yet, there is also so much more that needs to be said about him. Despite the upcoming 400th anniversary of his death, St. Francis de Sales is ever relevant for the Universal Church in the change of an era we are living in. […] I am pleased to present this book that delves into different aspects of St. Francis de Sales. The fact that all the authors are Maltese, and that the laity, the priesthood, and religious life, are all represented among them, makes this book a gift from the Church in Malta to the Universal Church. May St. Francis de Sales continue to bless the Church, which he loved so much in his earthly life, now through heavenly blessings.” Cardinal Mario Grech - Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops - in the Foreword.

As we celebrate the 400th anniversary of St Francis de Sales, it is timely to ask the question: Why did St John Bosco call us, the Society of St Francis de Sales? In his book, Live Jesus, Fr Eunan Mc Donnell SDB, Provincial of St Patrick’s Province, Ireland, explores the direct and indirect influences of St Francis de Sales on St John Bosco. However, he moves beyond this to trace the spiritual affinity that exists between these two great saints. This spiritual affinity can be summed up in the Salesian dictum: Live Jesus! This naturally provokes the question: is there a Salesian way of living the Gospel?

The Salesians of Don Bosco of the Province of St. Philip the Apostle, located in the Eastern United States and Canada (SUE) and with headquarters in New Rochelle, New York, have developed a two-year formation program containing 16 sessions for collaborators in Churches, schools, retreat centres, youth clubs, camps, youth ministry programs, and young adult outreach. SUE Province has recently published the unique formation manual, called properly “Hearts Present & Joyful”.