St. Francis de Sales • Belgrade, MN - Parishes on the Prairie

History

The first Catholic settler arrived in the Belgrade area in 1886. A small church was built and dedicated in 1890 by Bishop Otto Zardetti, naming the church after St. Francis de Sales, for whom he had a great devotion. The bishop presented the new little parish with a statue of its patron saint which still stands. By 1897, an addition was made to the church due to the congregation’s growth.

In 1956, the parish built a new church building and rectory under Father Vincent Santo and was newly dedicated by Bishop Bartholome in 1957. A parish center was added in 1976, which is used for community-building events.

For more detailed history of St. Francis de Sales parish, please refer to the book “The Spirit in Central Minnesota” by Vincent A. Yzermans.

Our Patron Saint

Known as the “gentleman saint,” St. Francis de Sales was born August 21, 1567 in France. After becoming a lawyer to follow in the family business, God called him to the priesthood. St. Francis had a gentle approach to ministering and converted many souls as a result, especially using pamphlets he wrote explaining our Catholic faith. He became bishop of Geneva at the age of 35, helped establish the Sisters of the Visitation, wrote many books, and was later declared a Doctor of the Church. He died at Lyons, December 28, 1622.

St. Francis feast day is January 24. He is the patron saint of catholic press, authors, journalists, confessors, and the deaf. Read more about St. Francis de Sales.

Annual Parish Events

Semi-Annual Sausage Supper

Held on Palm Sunday and the last Sunday in October, all parishioners, including young and old are asked to be involved. This is a parish-wide, community-building event. All proceeds contribute to parish life. Thank you all for the support you give by working and eating at this wonderful family event!