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Post by Hildegard on Apr 1, 2019 16:10:08 GMT
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saintby Salesiana Publishers
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
THE TITLE: Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales (changed from the Italian Buon Giorno . . . Teachings and Examples from the Life of Saint Francis de Sales). This replaced the previous title and subtitle: Saint Francis de Sales in Teachings and Example . . . A sacred Diary Extracted from His Life and Works by the Vistandines of Rome. This title was taken from the first edition (Ferrari, Rome, 1953).
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE: Every page contains a thought from the works of Saint Francis de Sales and a brief account of some event of his life which took place on that date.The first taken from the Oeuvres d'Annecy with an indication of volume and page and then the work form which the passage has been taken (e.g. Sermons, Treatises, Letters). As far as the two major woks are concerned, the book or part and chapter have been added, for further clarification. This will allow the reader to refer to the passages for personal consultation or greater understanding. The anecdotes have been taken from the work Anne Sainte, with an indication of both volume and page. Because of the brevity of the selections chosen, we have added a maxim taken froma book by an anonymous author, Massime di S. Francesco di Sales (Salesian Press, Milan, 1929).
TEXT AND FORMAT: The Italian revision of the book made necessary the rereading of the selections chosen and a comparison with the original French. Every effort has been made to keep the gentle tone of Saint Francis de Sales.
ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES:A.S. Annee Sainte des Religieuse de la Visitation Sainte Marie, (12 vol. ed.)
D.S. Diario Sacre extracted from his life and works, compiled by the Visitandines of Rome. (Ed. Ferrari, Rome 1953)
INT. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life
Hamon P. Hamon, Vie de St. Francois de Sales, (2 vol., Paris 1854)
O. Oeuvres de St. Francois de Sales, publiees par lessouis des Religieuses de la Visitation du Premier Monastere d'Annecy (26 vol. , Annecy 1892-1932)
SOL. Francis de Sales, Meditazioni per la Solitudine
T.L.G. Francis de Sales, Treatise on the Love of God
Please note: If you buy the book, the bible quotes are not from the Douay Reims, in putting these meditations online for The Catacombs, I have changed the Bible Quotes to reflectthe Douay Reims Bible.
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 1st (page 93)
Friendship based on the pleasures of the senses is coarse and does not deserve the name of friendship. The same holds true for friendships based on vain and frivolous qualities, since they also have their roots in the senses. By pleasures of the senses I mean those that principally originate from the external senses, such as pleasure in looking at beautiful things or listening to a sweet voice, pleasure of touch and the like. Friendships based on such things deserve to be called follies rather than friendships!
(INT. Part III, Ch. 17; O. III, p 196)
On April 1st, 1618, Francis de Sales, on a visit to Grenoble, gave a eulogy on Saint Hugo, one of those saints to whom he had a particular devotion. "I honor this saint," he said, "because he did so much to populate the frightening solitude of Chartreuse with a countless number of religious, whose virtue spread a marvelous perfume of holiness throughout the Church." Francis never tired of turning over in his mind this rich expression of Saint Hugo, "The evil I do is truly evil and truly mine; the good that I do is not attributable to me or really mine."
(A.S. IV, p. 2)
We shall never have peace if it is not practiced amid repugnance, aversion and disgust. True peace does not lie in not fighting, but in conquering.
Perfection does not consist in being perfect or in acting perfectly. It is the striving for perfection that is important.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 2, 2019 16:32:35 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 2nd (page 94)
Venial sin, no matter how slight it may be, displeases God. Therefore, if it displeases God, any will and affection that one has for venial sin is nothing less than a disposition to offend the Divine Majesty. Is it possible that an upright soul should not only displease God but even nourish within itself an affection and a will to displease Him?
(INT. Part I, Ch. 22; O. III, p. 63)
Francis de Sales, wishing to publicly proclaim his devotion to Saint Francis of Paula, received the cord of the Minims in the monastery at Grenoble. He knelt before the mantle with which the saint had passed over the sea with dry feet, which was exposed for this occasion. The people, who wanted to express their own devotion, threw themselves on top of him and used his shoulders as their support. The
saint made no effort to stop them from doing all this. When he was leaving the church the religious made their apologies, saying that they admired his patience. He replied, "Is it not necessary for each one to show his devotion in some way or other? I can assure you that I paid very little attention to those who were all around me. I was thinking of Saint Francis, who spiritually and personally gave me his cord and obliged me, with ties both external and internal, to consider all the Minims as my brothers."
(A.S. IV, p. 38)
There is nothing more contrary to charity - or to the love of God - than to have little concern for one's neighbor.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 3, 2019 15:53:23 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 3rd (page 95)
Saint Augustine says that if we want to die well, we must live well; as our life is, so shall our death be. To sum up the matter in a few words, we say that the rule for a happy death is to lead a good life, placing our trust in the merits of the passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, without whom every day would be a terrible and terrifying event.
(Sermons 62; O.X. p.324)
Around Easter of 1595, Francis de Sales was hearing the confessions of the soldiers of the fortress of Allinges. He had previously instructed these men, and one of them was brought almost to the point of despair by his sermon on the horror of sin. The saint took a very special interest in him, allowing him to sleep in his room and to eat at his table. He also helped him to make his confession several times. Moved by this man's contrition, the saint imposed a penance of reciting only one Our Father and one Hail Mary. The soldier was very much surprised at this, and, turning to the saint, he said, "Oh, my lord, do you want to damn me, giving me such a light penance for so many sins?" "No," said Francis. "Put your trust in God's mercy, which is much greater than your sins. As far as the penance is concerned, I'll make up for it."
(A.S. IV, p. 52)
Do not trust your spiritual enemies, even if they leave you in peace for a while. They may be thrown out, but they have not been killed; they can initiate a terrible was at any time.
Remember! There is no state in life without its problems and frustrations.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 5, 2019 4:06:55 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 4th (page 96)
I would adviser you to consider from time to time the quantity of your interior and exterior goods, and at the same time the very great number of interior and exterior punishments that Divine Providence has prepared for us in His most holy justice and His great mercy. As if opening the arms of our consent,let us most lovingly embrace all this by saying, "Yes, Lord, They will be done on earth, where we have no pleasure without pain, no roses without thorns, no day without a night to follow, no spring without a winter that preceded it. Here consolations are rare and trials are countless. Still, O God,Thy will be done."
(T.L.G. IX, Ch. 1; O.V. pp. 111-112)
Once, on April 4th, Francis de Sales was present at a public disputation on philosophy presided over by a scholar advanced in age. In the heat of the dispute a speaker put forth an argument so skillfully and with so much vigor that the old president became confused. Then the holy bishop modestly gave a contribution, and with wonderful logic explained the difficulty that had embarrassed the old man. Seeing his argument demolished, the speaker was very upset and said with some indignation that he had never heard of the distinction made by the saint. With admirable kindness, Francis de Sales replied, "You can say, sir, that you had not heard this in the past, but from now on youcannot say you have never heard it." And seeing that this made the speaker still more annoyed, he thought it prudent not to reply but merely to say to the audience, with prudent modesty. "There is no need to be surprised that this good man feels some resentment; the learned are also subject to human emotions, but their learning knows how to keep them in check." Later the good president came to the bishop to thank him "for having saved the honor of a poor old man." He admitted that he had almost forgotten the art of logic. But the saint, in his usual, humble way, replied, "There is no need to thank anyone. It is the obligation of the young to help the old, as it was the obligation of the old to sustain us during the time of our infancy. This is the reasonable way of acting and the rule of Divine Providence."
(A.S. IV, p. 95)
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 5, 2019 16:44:11 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 5th (page 97)
The truly patient person, the true servant of God, bear up equally under ignominious tribulations and those that are honorable. To be despised, criticized or accused by evil men is something that a courageous man does not mind. But it takes a lot of virtue to accept being criticized, denounced and badly treated by good people - by our relatives and friends.
(INT. Part III, Ch. 3; O. III, p. 137)
On April 5th, 1601, Francis de Sales lost his father, the lord of Boisy. This fine knight was born in 1522 and had for a godfather at his baptism, Francis of
Luxembourg, viscount of Mortigues, who took him as one of his pages. Later, as he distinguished himself in the army and diplomatic corps, he always
showed great affection for his sovereigns. Finally, grateful for having a large family around him and feeling his age, he retired to his castle of Sales. Free of any arrogance or pomp, he was a man of superior intelligence, sound judgement and courageous action. He held to a rule of life which called for
temperance in eating and speaking, and he was very responsive to others in times of need. His simple life afforded him ample opportunity to be generous
with others. Good and just with his vassals, he gave abundant help out of his riches to alleviate the needs of the poor.
(A.S. IV, p. 121)
I have often said that he who is not humble is not chaste. I say this because God is accustomed to allow the proud to fall into
the most heinous sins to teach them a lesson and to correct spiritual pride.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 6, 2019 18:39:26 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 6th (page 98)
Let us not forget the maxims of the saints, who teach us to advance a little further each day on the road to perfection. This thought should encourage us not be surprised or to feel miserable whenever we have something to correct.
Each day we must begin again with renewed courage.
(Letters 1049; O. XVI, p. 312)
On April 6th, 1601, Francis de Sales gave admirable proof of his spiritual strength. While he was leaving the sacristy of the
Church of Saint Dominic of Annecy to mount the pulpit, an imprudent messenger came to tell him that his father had died at Sales the previous evening. With full submission, the holy preacher bowed his will to the will of God and preached as usual, despite the fact that his subject - the death of Lazarus - was a very emotional one for him at that moment. When he had finished his sermon he said, "Dear people, I am sorry to tell you that Baron de Boisy, your friend and my father, is dead. Just as all of you were united in honoring him with your love, so I beg you to pray for his soul, and to give me two or three days' leave to honor his body." His tears and those of the congregation prevented him from continuing. The whole church was full of sobs and sighs as all began to pray for the dear departed one. Since the saint had already celebrated Mass before preaching, he assisted at two Requiem Masses for his father's soul, kneeling motionless alongside the altar. He later confided to a friend that God had given him a deep and wonderful assurance and hope that his father was eternally saved.
(A.S. IV, p. 146)
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 7, 2019 17:45:05 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 7th (page 99)
One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbor. There He showed that He had a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him
to death. In those dire moments the Savior expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever
sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ.
(Spiritual Treatise IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)
Francis de Sales spent April 7th, 1601, performing the last rites of a good son for his father, in consoling his mother, in making arrangements for the burial and putting in order all that was needed for an orphaned family. From that day on he considered his saintly brother as his father and support after God. He heard the confessions of his mother, his brothers and sisters and his whole household. In celebrating Mass he asked all to go to Holy Communion for the deceased. He did not forget to
console the vassals, who were deeply afflicted over the loss of such a good lord. Having seen to all this, after only two days he returned to his apostolic labors. In preaching about these things, he made a beautiful comparison with the story of Abraham
and Isaac. By a definite act of the will, Abraham had agreed to lose his son Isaac in sacrifice to God. Isaac, by his submission to the Divine Will at the time of the death of Abraham, sacrificed to the heavenly Father the loss of his earthly one. As for the rest, it was a maxim of the saint that we must try to do in a holy way whatever we are obliged to do out of necessity.
(A.S. IV, p. 175)
The lives of the saints are nothing but the Gospel put into practice.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 8, 2019 16:04:05 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 8th (page 100)
To live according to the spirit means thinking, speaking and working virtuously, not according to the senses or the desires of the flesh. Certainly we are susceptible to emotions, but we must keep them under control and not live according to them. But what are the virtues of the spirit? Faith, which shows us truths beyond the comprehension of the
senses; hope, which makes us aim at the good that is invisible; and charity, which makes us love God above everything else and our neighbor as ourselves -- not with a purely
natural of self-interested love, but with a love that is pure, firm, unchangeable and solidly founded on God.
(Letters 1197; O. VII, p. 205)
On April 8th, 1597, Francis de Sales found a way of getting into Geneva and conferring, according to a commission he had received from the pope, with Theodore Beza, an
apostate from the Catholic Church and a great supporter of the Calvinists. Although this man had opinions that were erroneous, he showed a natural benevolence toward this young and saintly priest. Francis took advantage of this, burning with the desire to lead such a valuable sheep back into the Church's fold. In presenting himself, he
said that, as a young and inexperienced man, he wanted to confer with this elderly and on several matters. This introduction pleased the old man very much, and he
received the saint with courtesy, asking him several times to stay with him as a guest. But Francis did not accept the invitation. After he returned to his hotel, he spent the
whole night in prayer and tears, imploring God that he grant eternal salvation to all stray sheep, and particularly to this aged minister.
(A.S. IV, p. 202)
Be faithful in small things and God will see that you will succeed in those of greater importance.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 9, 2019 15:07:09 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 9th (page 101)
Make frequent spiritual aspirations to God by means of short but ardent movements of the heart. Marvel at His beauty, implore His help, cast yourself in spirit at the foot of the cross, adore His goodness, and beg Him that you may be saved eternally. Give Him
your heart and offer your soul to Him thousands and thousands of times. Fix the eyes of your soul upon His gentle face and hold Him by the hand, just as a small child does with his father.
(INT. Part II, Ch. 13; O. III, p. 94)
On April 9th, 1597, Francis de Sales, having passed the night in prayer, returned early in the morning to Minister Beza and proposed some serious questions. The old man confessed that the Roman Church was the true Church, mother of all Christians. Then the holy apostle, moved to the point of tears, said to him, "And why then, sit, do you and your followers cause sorrow to this mother under the pretext of reform?" The minister could only reply with a deep sigh and begged the missionary to come and see him as often as possible. Francis could do this only a few times, because, seeing that the minister was beginning to show signs of being converted, his colleagues watched him so closely that he became almost inaccessible.
(A.S. IV, p. 219)
Services rendered to people we do not really like are very meritorious. In these services, in fact, there is not self-love but only pure love of God.
God Himself will uphold you with the same hand with which He placed you in your vocation.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 10, 2019 16:01:18 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 10th (page 102)
The Lord does not want us to do what He Himself has not done; namely, give of Himself partially. His goodness is so great that He gave Himself to us entirely. This the way He wants up to give ourselves to Him. But how can we give ourselves entirely to God? By not holding back anything from Him, not even a single desire; that is what the Lord wants from us.
(Sermons 16; O. IX, p. 135)
During his short stay at Geneva in 1597, Francis de Sales was lodged at the hotel L'Ecu de France, where he met Anne Coste, who was later to become the first portress of the Visitation. Even while working in that hotel, she had kept the purity of her faith in the midst of the
corruption of Babylon. Francis gave her Holy Communion, saying that his guardian angel was serving as altar boy. From then on the
guardian angels of these two great souls maintained communication with each other in the protection and direction of their charges; so
much so that Francis called that holy daughter "my guardian angel's favorite." The saint left Geneva with tears in his eyes, and said to Louis de Sales, his cousin and helper in the apostolate, "Oh, my brother, just as Jesus wept over the ungrateful Jerusalem, so we must cry and pray for our poor Geneva!" Then he wrote to Pope Clement VIII and to the apostolic nuncio to inform them of the success of
his voyage and his attempts to win Beza over, receiving from His Holiness an apostolic brief in reply.
(A.S. IV, p. 244)
One Holy Communion well made is quite enough to make us perfect saints.
While we love to have what we say approved of, we are, at the same time, very prone to criticize what others are saying.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 11, 2019 19:05:29 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 11th (page 103)
Admire in all things the all-embracing will of God. Through it He performs all His works of mercy and justice in Heaven, on earth and in the abyss. Therefore, with the deepest humility, approve, praise and love this holy, just and lovable will. Again, admire the particular will of God by which He loves especially His own, asking them to accept many tribulations and trials approvingly. Consider this same will in your person, in all that happens to you, be it good or bad, apart from
sin; then praise it, approve it and love it. Finally, proclaim your determination to honor, adore and bless His holy will, and put yourself and everything that belongs to you at His disposal.
(Letters 430; O. XIII, p. 361)
John Baptist of Valenza, a senator of Chambery, made arrangements for Francis de Sales, then a student at Padua, to obtain permission from his teacher, Canon Deage, to spend the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday (April 11th, 1591) with the Brothers of Saint Anthony. And there, having listened to a sermon preached by Father Gesualdo to a sodality of penitents, Francis afflicted such a violent discipline on himself that he was covered with blood. The same gentleman of Valenza who had accompanied him also testified that throughout the week Francis de Sales lived like an anchorite in solitude and penance. At the end of it he said, "Dear companion, is not one single day in the house of the Lord worth more than a thousand in the tabernacles of sinners?"
(A.S. IV, p. 270)
If a soul does not have, first of all, a true knowledge of its own miseries and nothingness, it can have no true trust in God.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 15, 2019 15:09:22 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 12th (page 104)
We must not be afraid of the assaults and stupidities of our common enemy, because he can do us no harm. With fear comes uneasiness, with uneasiness comes tiredness, and finally, weariness makes us give up our exercises of piety. Therefore, without becoming afraid, be happy to be like little chicks under the wings of
Divine Providence. Let us fear no one but God, but let it be a loving fear. Et us keep our doors well barred and take care lest the walls of our good resolutions be battered down. Then let us live in peace, letting our
enemy roar and prowl about [cf. 1 Pt 58] as wildly as he likes - he cannot harm us.
(Letters 405; O. XIII, pp. 300-301)
In 1607, Francis de Sales preached the Lenten sermons at Annecy, and he spoke about them to Mother Chantal: "I have not preached the Lenten sermons in this city since I first became a bishop. Then all eyes were on me to see how I would perform. I was hard put to maintain my dignity and look after the affairs of the diocese that had recently become my responsibility. Now, however, you know that I am beginning to reap my harvest amid tears of joy and love."
(A.S. IV, p. 295)
Saint Anthony the abbot says that discretion is such an important virtue that without it not even a life of piety is authentic.
There can be no true piety without there being, at the same time, a true and holy discretion.
Never scatter words if there is no hope of their doing good.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 15, 2019 15:26:27 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 13th(page 105)
There are some people who, desiring to become perfect by the acquiring of virtues, want to acquire them all at once, as if perfection consisted merely in desiring it. Certainly it would be wonderful if we could become humble
immediately and as soon as we desired it. It would be nice if we could put on this virtue as easily as we put on a
coat. Since this is impossible, we must be content to acquire perfection by following the usual ways, with
tranquility of heart and determination. Whether the realization of our desires comes sooner or later, we must not get upset, but leave all to Divine Providence. God will console us in His own good time.
(Sermons 28; O. IX, p. 263)
On April 13th, Francis de Sales, after preaching a sermon in the city, wrote: "I preached on the passion to our Sisters of Saint Clare, who had often invited me to do so. In contemplating how Our Lord carried the cross on His shoulders
and how He embraced it, I said that in and through His cross He took upon Himself our little crosses, kissing and
sanctifying them. While I was saying that He kissed our aridities, our contradictions and our bitterness, I was so moved that I could barely hold back my tears. In that sermon I experienced a great deal of consolation. Apart from those in
the monastery, there were twenty-five to thirty people from the city present. Indeed, I had difficulty in restraining my feelings on a subject so appropriate for Good Friday. May the good Jesus be king of our hearts."
(A.S. IV, p. 314)
If we are worried by the thought of death, this fear will do us more harm than good.
We must live every minute of our lives as if it were our last.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 16, 2019 15:38:41 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 14th (page 106)
If you happen to commit some fault, correct yourself gently by humbling yourself before God. Admit your misery, but do not let yourself be dejected by your fall. Is there any wonder that infirmity is infirm, weakness weak and misery wretched? Nevertheless, detest with all your heart your offense of God. With great courage and confidence in His mercy, return to the path of virtue.
(INT. Part III, Ch. 9; O. III, p. 168)
On April 14th, Holy Saturday of 1607, Francis de Sales could well have rested after having preached the Lenten sermons without interruption. In addition to those sermons, he often preached at the cathedral for the Sisters of Saint Clare. Nevertheless, on Holy Saturday, besides conferring Sacred Orders, he spent many hours in the confessional. Canon Deage, his old tutor, took the liberty to reprimand him, telling him somewhat sharply that he was being indiscreet and imprudent to give of himself in this way. He said that his would cause his health to fail and even shorten his life. The holy bishop smilingly replied. "Ah, dear Deage, you would feel highly honored if your disciple would die as a martyr in the service of God and of souls. Would you have me be lazy in this spiritual battle?"
(A.S. IV, p. 331)
Do you want to acquire virtue easily? Select a spiritual director who is learned, prudent and charitable.
A soft answer puts away wrath, as water puts out fire.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 16, 2019 15:48:59 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 15th (page 107)
Suppose the Lord gave us a choice between good health and sickness. Let us suppose He said to us: "If you choose good health. I will not deprive you of a single measure of my grace. If instead you choose sickness, I will not give you any extra graces. Nevertheless, in choosing sickness you will be just a little closer to My will in your regard." A soul perfectly abandoned to God would without fail choose sickness rather than good health, in order to be a little more pleasing to God. Abandonment to God's will is the virtue of virtues!
(Spiritual Treatises, II' O. VI, p. 25)
On April 15, 1604, Holy Thursday, Archbishop Andrew Fremoid, archbishop of Bourges, the only brother of the saintly baroness of Chantal, celebrated his first Mass. President Fremoid, his father, wanted to have the consolation of serving him at the altar and receiving Communion from his hands. Francis de Sales, who had formed a truly holy friendship with this prelate, was present, and from the time of the Sanctus to Communion, several people saw the head of the saint encircled by a halo of glory. All were awestruck and considered him an angel in human form.
(A.S. IV, p. 354)
Many aim at perfection, but few reach it. Do you know why? Because they do not have full confidence in God, with total abandonment to His fatherly Providence.
To prepare the salad well, you need more oil than vinegar.
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