Savoy France, 1586. Francis yearns to become a priest, but his father has other plans. When his cousin Louis comes to his aid in an unexpected way, Francis is finally able to tell his father the truth. The Saints, Adventures of Faith and Courage. Francis desails, Episode 2, An Astonishing Appointment. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at TheSaintsPodcast.com. Father, what's wrong? What's wrong, he asked? Your behavior yesterday to Ma Moselle de Marbelle. That's what's wrong. We had a very pleasant time. That's not what she told her father when she returned home. What do you mean? The poor girl was in tears. What did I say? The point is what you didn't say. Or do. I'm confused, Father. You are definitely confused. Because Ma Moselle de Marbelle is a beautiful young woman who wants to marry you. Correction, wanted to marry you. Until your meeting yesterday. I don't understand. She told her father you have no interest in her as a wife. I didn't tell her that. She's not an intelligent Francois. She realized you weren't interested in her as a wife. So guess what? What? She's now entertaining the idea of other suitors. Oh. Oh, indeed. Now I have to look for another young woman. Actually, Father, I- And look, I will. Once you finish your studies in Padua, I want you to be married. There is no such thing as a senator without a wife. There will be entertaining to do parties to plan. But when are you and Father Diage leaving for Padua? Tomorrow. While you're there, please think seriously about these things. Yes, Father. Good. Oh, Father Diage, I don't like life here in Padua. I don't like studying the law. Well, Francois, at least you're excelling in all your classes. Your father will be pleased. I'm sure he will. And eager to enroll me in the bar at Chambarri. Your being a senator has always been his plan. I can't go on without telling him the truth. The only thing of interest to me here are my theology classes. Looks like these three have had too much to drink. Some of your fellow students? They're all wearing masks, so they're probably coming from that festival. Well, look who's here. Mr. Top of the class and his tutor. Yes, the man headed for success. But always too good to come out with the likes of us. Hey, Francois, it's late. Shouldn't you be home in bed? Ha ha ha ha ha ha! You may be hiding behind masks, but I know who you are. Why are you drawing your swords? Francois, be careful. Yes, you should be careful, Francois. We might hurt you. I don't think so. What? Francois, you disarmed all three of them. I'm sorry! I'm sorry too! I'm glad to hear it. Then pick up your swords and go home. And thank God in whom I believe, for that is why I do you no harm. It feels like we've been gone for more than two years, Father Dayesh. I'm so eager to see Mama and all the children again. What about your father? Yes, of course. It will be good to see him again too. He'll be very pleased to see you, a doctor of the law. Yes, but my pleasing him is about to end. At twenty-six, you should be allowed to make your own decisions. What? Huh, my sword and scabbard have fallen off. How did that happen? You must not have fastened your scabbard. I thought I did. Ah, alright. I'm sorry. Let's continue. Where exactly are we? From the last crossroad, I estimate we have about two hours left. I'm still wondering about that message I received from cousin Louis, and why he's so eager to meet with me when I return. Didn't he say he thinks he can help you? Yes, but what could that mean? My sword and scabbard have fallen off again. The loop on your scabbard must be broken. It wasn't when I put it on. I would have noticed. Well, this is strange. What? The first time this happened, the sword and scabbard on the ground formed a cross. Now they've done so again. That's odd. The whole thing is odd. The loop definitely isn't broken. Then why does it keep sleeping off? We'll check when we get back. It seems well fastened now. So, your father has found another wife for you? Apparently, another problem to deal with. He's not going to give up easily. I want to speak with Mama and then somehow break the news to him. I'll be praying for you. I certainly hope so. Father Deos, what in the world is happening? I fastened the scabbard securely. Yes, it's very strange. And look, it's happened again. What? The sword and scabbard have formed a cross. Three crosses in a row. Now it's definite. A sign? From God? Yes. But what could it mean? How I love your garden, Mama. It is my joy, François. Thank you for the lovely reception when I got home. It made your father so happy to celebrate your law degree. And your high honors, of course. How did it go today at Chamberee? He took me to meet the members of the bar. But I don't want to be a lawyer. You have to tell him. I know. Father has a hard time listening. Yes. And now he's found another young woman he wants me to marry. He just wants you to succeed in life. I don't care about succeeding. I know. I wish I could help you, François. But he won't listen to me either. What do you want from me, Mama? Whatever makes you happy. And you know what that is? Yes. You were only 15 when you married father. Did that make you happy? Especially when he was three times your age? Yes, actually. I never had the desire to become a nun. Despite your devotion? When I was younger, it was romantic to think about living a life of prayer and contemplation. But your father is not an unattractive man, François. When I turned 15, my idea of romance was marriage. So I gladly accepted. And for the most part, I've had no regrets. I'm glad to hear that. But if you don't follow what God is calling you to, I would be filled with regret, especially if I didn't somehow intervene on your behalf. It's my place to tell him, Mama. But first I'm meeting tomorrow with cousin Louis. He sent me a message. It seems he has some kind of a plan. A plan? Something to ease father's eventual disappointment in me. How very interesting. I wonder what that could be. François, come in. So this is your office? Why, it's nice, Louis. Nicer than is necessary. But it comes with being canon to the bishop of Genève. Do you like being canon? I do. I like assisting the bishop. It leaves him more time to do the work he's called to. I think you'll like your new position as well. My new position? Is that what you meant by having a plan? Yes. I think it might help soften the blow when you tell your father you want to become a priest. It would have to be a rather good position, like yours. Oh, believe me, this is much grander. Now I'm even more curious. The position of provost has just been vacated. Provost? Yes, second only to the bishop. I suggested to him that you fill that position. But I'm not a priest yet. That's easily rectified, given your law degree. You're eminently qualified, François. Bishop Grenier is so impressed with every report about you that he's agreed to push forward your ordination. I'm stunned. I don't know what to say. All you have to say is, yes, I accept the position of provost, Your Excellency. And look what I have here. Bishop Grenier sent me to Rome for this. What is this, a papal bull? Yes, from Pope Clement himself, naming you provost. I can't believe it. So you see, it's official. Your father might not be pleased, but at least he'll be satisfied with the honor bestowed on you. It's going to take a while for all this to sink in, but thank you, Louis, for doing all this. You need to be a priest, François. It's going to happen. Your father will just have to understand. Madeleine, Jean, leave those chickens alone. I'm sorry for the interruption, François. But those two do remind me of you, especially when they're chasing the chickens. Well, Mama, at least they're not yelling out heretics. Perhaps they should be. You may be right, Father. I'm going to close the doors. Antoinette will get them to stop, eventually. Please, François, tell us what you wanted to speak with us about. Yes, so far it's all been rather mysterious. I didn't mean to make it mysterious. It's just that. Well, I've received some rather amazing news. From the Senate? No. Then what is it? Father, I've come to ask something of you. If you grant it, I'll never ask anything from you again. Hi, this is Peter Atkinson from The Merry Beggars. Tune in to episode three to the chablé to hear the next installment of Francis DeSales. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com. The Merry Beggars is the entertainment division of relevant radio.
