If St. John Henry Cardinal Newman was thought to be a notable behind-the-scenes influence on Vatican Council II, so was St Francis de Sales, especially regarding the Laity. De Sales was centuries ahead of his time in leading not just monks and nuns but everyone to sanctity, even those, such as soldiers or those at court, once thought beyond possibility. Hope was a hallmark in his guiding lay people to sanctity by a deep confidence in God through all of life’s trials:

Though not surprised, we were disappointed to learn that most of the undergraduates and graduates will not be returning in the fall. This is a great sadness for us at the Harvard Catholic Center, the parish, and for all the students involved. We continue to pivot in our plans for reaching out to those in our care as lovingly and effectively as we can.