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Post by Hildegard on Apr 16, 2019 15:59:21 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 16th (page 108)
To take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ means nothing other than receiving and accepting all the troubles, contradictions, afflictions and mortifications that come our way in this life. We should accept them with complete submission and resignation. We ought not select our own crosses, but we should accept and carry those that are offered to us. In this way we imitate the
Savior, Who did not choose His own cross, but humbly took upon Himself the one prepared for Him.
(Sermons 2; O. IX, p. 18)
On April 16, 1604, Francis de Sales preached on the passion of our Savior at Dijon. So vivid was his account of the divine agony that the whole congregation was reduced to tears. The members of parliament declared that they had never before realized how much
compassion the heart of a Christian should have for the death of our Redeemer. On the following day one of the presidents told the holy bishop that he had never cried so much in all his life. The saint frankly replied, "Mr. President, the daughters of Jerusalem did
the same when they saw the sufferings of the God-Man, but the children of the Church must not be satisfied with pouring forth a flood of tears. Their tears must bear fruits of salvation." The president knew very well that the saint was speaking about his own heart, and that by supernatural light he had seen all his weaknesses. He, therefore, promised to keep away from the occasions of sin.
(A.S. IV, p. 390)
Families are not well-provided by riches, but by an environment of virtue and the holy fear of God.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 18, 2019 0:28:56 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 17th (page 109)
The chief intention that you must have in going to Communion should be to advance in the love of God. Communion should
strengthen and comfort you in this love. Receive with love the gift of love. There is no more loving or more tender gift of the Savior than this. Here He annihilates Himself, so to speak, and changes Himself into food, so that He may fill our souls,
intimately uniting Himself to the heart and body of the faithful person.
(Spiritual Treatises, II, Ch. 21; O. III, p. 121)
On April 17, 1602, Francis de Sales was in Paris, Many of his friends spoke of the king's high regard for him, telling him that a mere visit to him would be very advantageous. They claimed that the Abbey of Saint Genevieve was his for the asking, because the great sovereign frequently spoke of him and would be happy to keep him in Paris. With a humility and detachment that was admired by all, even by those who considered these things from a worldly point of view, the saint explained that his vocation from God was to work in the vineyard of Geneva. One should not look for personal advancement, but should labor in the field assigned by the Father of the family. Besides, he added, the See of Geneva was already an office far beyond his merits. Similarly, he refused the gifts and pension that the king of France wanted to give him. By this gesture he showed that he was only at the court to further the Catholic faith and its reestablishment
in the land of Gez, without any intention of gaining material advantages for himself.
(A.S. IV., p. 415)
Fix your mind on God and yourself; never see God apart from His goodness, nor yourself apart from your miseries.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 18, 2019 16:14:34 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 18th (page 110)
If the world despises, let us rejoice, because there is reason for it; let us realize that we deserve it. If it esteems us, let us despise its judgments. Its esteem for us is blind, without foundation of knowledge or truth. Do not worry about what the world thinks. Despise its esteem. Let it say whatever it likes, whether good or bad. What is desirable is that we keep our eyes fixes on Christ, going about our work no matter what the world thinks. Truly the world is a
great charlatan and always talks too much, both about what is good and what is bad.
(Letters 331; O. XIII, pp. 150-151)
On April 18th, 1605, Francis de Sales was informed by letter that Pope Leo XI (Alexander de Medici) esteemed him greatly, having known him at Thonon and Rome. His name was on the list of those prelates whom the pope wanted to make cardinals. Far from rejoicing at this news, the great bishop said, "I pray God that He will keep this dignity far from me, because I am not worthy. If the cardinals hat were only three steps away from me. I would not take
one more to get it." Then, devoutly crossing his arms on his chest, he added, with tears in his eyes, "Alas! I greatly desire that my cassock be red,but red with my blood, poured out for the conversion of my people of Geneva! How willingly I would put on that purple!" However, neither his detachment nor his objections would have prevented his elevation to the office of cardinal, if death had not taken Leo XI after only twenty-eight days as pope!
(A.S. IV, p. 445)
The Holy Spirit does not enter the house where there is complaining, arguing or quarrels.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 20, 2019 1:34:29 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 19th (page 111)
The traveler who has lost his way walks on in doubt. As he goes, he keeps looking now to the right and now to the left, and frequently stops to examine where he is. The man who is sur he is on the right path goes along cheerfully, confidently and quickly. It is the same with love. A person who looks for God’s will amid consolations is always in doubt and afraid of taking a wrong turn. Instead of loving God’s will, he loves only his own pleasure. But if we lovingly walk according to God’s will,even in the midst of afflictions, it is with a confident feeling. Since affliction can in no way be lovable in itself,
our love is directed only to the hand which sends it!
(T.L.G. Book 9, CH. 2; O.V, pp. 115-116)
Once, on April 19th, while he was deeply involved in his work at the Chablais, Francis de Sales experienced a strong impulse of God’s love. His soul seemed to be aflame with the love of God, with ardor for the house of the Lord and with zeal for the conversion of souls. He felt a great desire to immolate himself for these three causes.After his death a note was found, written in his own hand, in which he recounts this grace in these words: “Amor meus, furor meus! (My love, my madness!) My loveis form of madness. My actions are a manifestation of my love. The one and the other are impressed on my soul, and I
must often repeat this verse: ‘Is it love or madness that drives me on, O Lord?’ The one and the other, dear God, are aflame in my heart.”
On April 19th, 1665, Francis de Sales was canonized by Pope Alexander VII. During the solemn ceremony of the canonization, the pope was
suddenly struck with such a violent attack of acute pain that he began to sweat profusely. He was about to leave the ceremony, since he did not have the strength to continue. However,he thought first of imploring the intercession of the saint whose help he had so often experienced. He obtained the desired aid immediately; as soon as he had begun to invoke the new saint, his pain ceased and he was able to go on with the ceremony.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 21, 2019 20:05:23 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 20th(page 112)
Let us walk lightly and joyously amid the difficulties of this passing life. Let us willingly accept the mortifications, pains and afflictions that we find on the way. We are certain that these trials with end with this life, after which there will be only joy and eternal consolations. (Sermons 57; O. X, p. 247)
On April 20th, 1621,m Francis de Sales was leaving the convent of the Visitation of Annecy, where he had celebrated Mass, when he met an unfortunate woman tormented by the devil. She cried out very loudly. “Good pastor, give me some relief!” The saint went over to her, but the malign spirit who was horribly possessing her threw her to the ground. The saint picked her up, and, as if he wished to have a public contest with the devil in front of all the people, took her by the shoulders and commanded her to recite the Our Father. She did so, and the saint gave her his blessing. Then the unclean spirit, with fearful shrieks, left her body, and the poor woman was entirely liberated. News of this prodigy soon spread throughout the city. Many gave glory to God because of this event and increased their esteem for the holy prelate. Others, few in number, made fun of it and accused the holy prelate of showing off, saying that he should work his miracles in secret, and that he should have placed a stole on the patient’s shoulders instead of touching her. They added to all these statements a very biting note of satire. This criticism was conveyed to our saint, who, with his usual calm, replied. “What do you expect? These good people have not realized that his poor woman recited the Our Father and the Lord heard her prayer. Not wishing her to be led into temptation by the devil who possessed her. He liberated her from this great evil. If we all were to recite the Our Father with the spirit and the intention of Jesus Christ, we would say, “And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. [Douay Rheims; Mt 6:12]. In 1621, the next to last year of his life, Francis de Sales was fifty-four years old. God worked many miracles through His holy bishop, freeing the possessed and healing the sick. For this simple blessing sufficed, or the touch of his rochet, or the imposition of his hands. (A.S. IV, p. 404)
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 22, 2019 15:38:15 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 21st (page 113)
True humility does not make a show of itself and hardly ever speaks in a humble way, not only because it wants to hide the other virtues, but most of all because it wants to conceal itself. Therefore, if it were lawful to lie, dissemble or scandalize one’s neighbor, humility would perform acts of arrogance and pride, so that it might conceal itself beneath them and live completely hidden and unknown. Here then is my advice: Do not utter words expressing humility unless you can say them from the bottom of your heart. Let us not lower our eyes without humbling ourselves in our hearts; let us not make a show of wanting to be the last if we do not want to be that in reality. (INT. Part III, Ch. 5; O. III, p. 147)
On April 21st, 1615, Father de la Riviere, provincial of the Minims, preached the Lenten sermons at Annecy very devoutly and learnedly. He said that he could leave them no spiritual bouquet more useful than their most worthy bishop, whose virtues they should study intently and take as a model of edifying perfection. The prelate’s presence prevented him from developing this theme any further. The saint, blushing with confusion, remained in modest silence, but when he was at table with the preacher, said, with tears in his eyes, “My dear Father, I am mortified, because, having preached the Lenten sermons wo well, you have now lost everything by praising me in such an exaggerated way.” During the meal he discussed the vain praise that worldly people exchange. “Ah,” he said, or the Spirit of God said prophetically through his mouth, “What beautiful lessons the Holy Ghost gives us when He says, “Praise a man after his death!” Wait until I am dead, then, to praise me.” The good father obeyed this injunction very well, because after Francis’s death he was his first and finest biographer. (A.S. IV, p. 520)
God is especially pleased with simple, humble and loving hearts.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 22, 2019 15:41:16 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 22nd (page 114)
Everything passes, O Christians; after a few days of this present life, we shall enjoy that life which has no end. It does not matter one iota if these days are comfortable or uncomfortable, provided we are happy for all eternity. Let this holy eternity that awaits us be our consolation, together with the thought of being Christians, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, reborn by means of His blood. Our glory consists simply and solely in this, that the Savior died for us. (Letters 1547; O. XIX. P. 10)
On April 22nd, 1622, Francis de Sales had a long talk with Bishop John Francis de Sales, his brother, who had been recently consecrated titular bishop of Chalcedon and nominated his coadjutor with right of succession. The holy man frankly assured his brother that he had not asked for or requested this post for him, but that only the will of God and His Providence raised him to that dignity. “And,” he added, “this is a stroke of divine mercy for me, for I implore you, dear brother, to undertake the office of Martha and leave me that of Mary.” Saying this, he took an office key out of his pocket and gave it to his brother, keeping the other one for himself. From that time on he spent several hours a day instructing his coadjutor on the duties of his pastoral office. In his presence he had him perform sacred ordinations, consecrate altars and participate in meetings. Meanwhile, he himself kept in the kept in the background, explaining, “ ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ [Jn 3:30] He must be a man of action while I repose at the feet of the Lord, so as to be able to write down some of the good thoughts divine grace has given me.” (A.S. IV, p. 546)
Human prudence is nothing but anthill of lies and empty talk.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 23, 2019 17:32:18 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 23rd (page 115)
My God, if we were to grasp heavenly inspirations in all their fullness and power, we would make great progress in virtue in a very short time. No matter how abundant the source of the water is, the water does not enter the garden in proportion to the source but in proportion to the canal that carries it. In the same way, the Holy Spirit, as a source of living water, surrounds our heart on all sides to scatter His grace according to His pleasure, but He does not want to enter the heart without the free consent of our will or without our cooperation. (T.L.G. Book 2, Ch. 11; O. IV, p. 121)
On April 23rd, 1622, a certain Philip James arrived in Annecy from Italy with his wife. He was reduced to the most squalid misery, but remembering that some three years before, in 1619, he had furiously insulted our holy prelate in Paris, he did not dare to be seen by him in the diocesan city. When he was advised of this, the bishop called for him. The poor man came and threw himself at his feet, assuring him that the bishop’s modesty and humility had been a major factor in his own conversion to the Catholic Church, more than all the discussions with the doctors of the university. The charitable pastor did not want to hear of the wrongs and injustices that he had once received from this man. Seeing him poor and ragged after his voyage, he found lodgings for him and his wife, had them looked after for six weeks at his own expense, and often visited and comforted him as father. When the man’s health was restored, Francis gave him a generous donation so he could return to Germany, his native country. Moved by this charity, this good man said that if all the prelates were like Francis de Sales there would soon be no more unbelievers left in the world. (A.S. IV, p. 564)
It is useless to confess a sin, even of little consequence, unless one is determined to correct oneself.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 24, 2019 16:08:24 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 24th (page 116)
Great opportunities to serve God rarely present themselves, but minor ones are very often put before us. His lord said to him: “Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” [cf. Mt 25:23] Do everything in the name of God, and all you do will be done well. Whether you eat or drink, sleep or rest, you will profit greatly before God by doing all these things because God wishes you to do them. (INT. Part III, Ch. 35; O. III, p. 256)
On April 24th, 1620, Francis de Sales was getting ready to say Mass when he was overcome by such a holy infusion of spiritual consolations that his whole being was possessed and his body was rendered immobile. Seeing that he was not saying his prayers or even moving his lips, those around him reminded that it was past the time to begin the Mass, and the people were waiting for him. He then came to himself, saying, “So will I receive the Divine Savior, so will I receive Him?” And he seemed to be exceedingly happy throughout the Mass. Canon Michael Favre, his confessor and chaplain, begged him to tell him what had happened. The saint told him simply that Our Lord had infused his soul with graces in preparation for Holy Communion, and that his soul was given special lights concerning the mysteries of the Incarnation, the Mass and Communion. They were things that he could not express; yet he might be able to do so some day if God gave him the ability to write them down. (A.S. IV, p. 591)
It is a good thing to mortify the body, but a much better thing to purify the soul of poorly controlled affections.
Unfortunate are those who put their trust in creatures. Creatures promise much, give little, and make us pay dearly for the little they give.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 25, 2019 17:20:42 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 25th (page 117) You recognize thousands of imperfections and failings in yourself, contrary to your desire for purity and perfect love of God. In reply I say that it is not possible to avoid all of these. While we live on this earth, we have to put up with ourselves, until the day that God takes us to Heaven. Meanwhile, we can do no more than to keep a close watch on ourselves, and be patient. How can we correct in one day defects that we have contracted by our prolonged lack of diligence? Sometimes God has healed a person in an instant, without leaving a trace of his previous spiritual sickness. But in so many others He has left the scars of their conversion, for the greater benefit of their souls. (Letters 277; O. XIII, p. 19)
In 1612, seeing that the venerable foundress of the Visitation was given up by the doctors as already in her death agony, Francis de Sales sent her some relics of Saint Charles Borromeo, and she was cured the moment she received them. Francis, who had a special devotion to this great archbishop of Milan, paid a visit to his tomb to thank him for this grace. Accompanied by some ecclesiastics who were also great devotees of Saint Charles, he departed from Annecy on April 15, 1613. Perhaps never was there seen a group of pilgrims more devoutly occupied; silence and prayer filled their days. They said their prayers in common, and the holy bishop gave them points for meditation each day, urging all of them to ask, through the intercession of Saint Charles, for the zeal necessary to guide those entrusted to their care. On April 20th, they arrived in Milan. The saint had gone there to honor another saint, but he himself was received like a saint in that great city. Cardinal Frederick Boromeo, a cousin and successor of Saint Charles, accompanied by Sir John de Mondoza, governor of Milan, went to meet him and wanted to have him as his guest, but the humble bishop thanked him with great respect and begged him to allow him to be a poor pilgrim, so as to have more freedom to pay his devotions at the tomb of the saint; that was the only reason why he had come to milan. (A.S. IV, p. 631)
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 26, 2019 17:19:36 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 26th (page 118)
One of the virtues which Our Lord displayed for us on the cross was holy perseverance. Without this virtue we cannot merit the fruit of His passion and death. It is little use beginning well if we do not persevere until the end. In fact, it is certain that we will remain for all eternity in the state we find ourselves at the end of our days, when God will cut off the thread of our lives. (Sermons 29; O. IV, p. 283)
On April 26th, 1604, Francis de Sales left Dijon, having preached the Lenten sermons. He had so widely esteemed in that city that everybody was sorry to see him leave, and someone exclaimed. “Oh, what a big thief departs from Dijon today. It is the bishop of Geneva, wo carries away with him the hearts of all inhabitants.” On the same day in 1613, Francis de Sales celebrated Mass at the grave of Saint Charles Borromeo and remained a long time in prayer before the remains of this great cardinal of Milan. The ecclesiastics who accompanied him, on their return home, spoke to him about all the beautiful things they had seen in the city and in the churches. Seeing that he was paying no attention to what they were saying, they asked if he had not at least noticed the rich vestments he had used in celebrating Mass. Certainly the splendor of the jewels that covered them attracted his attention! The saint was obliged to say simply that that he had not really noticed anything! He was taken up with the contemplation of the beauty of the sanctity that adorned the great archbishop of Milan. In consequence, he had no time to reflect on the external magnificence of the church or of the priestly vestments. (A.S. IV, p. 655)
Do not be disturbed about bad thoughts; it is one thing to have them and quite another to consent to them.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 28, 2019 1:28:20 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 27th
(page 119)
Think deeply and often that in this world we are walking between paradise and hell. The last step of our life will carry us to our eternal dwelling, but we do not know what this last step will be; we must be careful about all the other steps that precede it. Oh holy and unending eternity! Happy are those who give it considerable thought. We do not know how long we will be in this world. Hence it would be a childish act of foolishness not to use whatever time we have as a stepping stone to a blessed eternity! Let the whole of our life lead us to eternal benefits. (Letters 637; O. XIV, pp. 380-381)
On April 27th, the funeral rites of Prince Philip Emmanuel of Lorraine, the duke of Mercoeur, were celebrated in the Church of Our Lady, Paris. His loving widow, Duchess Marie of Luxemburg, did all she could to see that the rites were as magnificent as possible. Since the father and the grandfather of the bishop of Sales had been pages of the princess of Martigues, and because she esteemed so highly the virtues of the young prelate, she wanted him and no one else to preach the panegyric. The saint did so, and the princess had it printed at her own expense. (A.S. IV, p. 762)
One single Our Father said with attention and from the heart is worth more than many said in a hurry and out of habit.
The well-being of the home depends on the parents’ words, but for more on their behavior.
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Post by Hildegard on Apr 28, 2019 19:21:46 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 28th (page 120)
As soon as you realize that you have given way to anger, correct the fault straight away by an act of meekness toward the person who annoyed you. The only remedy against lying is to correct the lie as soon as we realize we have hold it; so we must also repair our anger instantly by an act of meekness, because, as the saying goes, fresh wounds are the quickest to be healed. (INT. Part III, Ch. 8; O. III, p 165)
On April 28th, 1613, Francis de Sales, having passed the morning in prayer before the tomb of Saint Charles, went to visit Father John Mazenta, the superior general of the Barnabites, who was in Milan at the time. Francis discussed with him his plan to entrust the College of Annecy to a community of religious, who, while they edified the people with their piety, would instruct young men in the humanities. He added that he had the fathers of his congregation in mind for this holy work. The superior general accepted the proposition after discussing it with his assistants. With their consent, he granted the holy bishop all that he had asked, making him very happy at having obtained for his diocese an order so highly esteemed and loved by Saint Charles Borromeo. (A.S. IV, p. 741)
Prepare your heart to receive from the loving hand of God afflictions as well as consolations; be ready to receive either equally, without desiring or refusing them.
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Post by Hildegard on May 1, 2019 0:50:52 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 29th
(page 121)
So long as we tackle all our troubles ourselves, we shall be always worried and tire, and Our Lord will leave us to our own devices; but when we leave everything to Him, He will look after all our troubles Himself. The interest that God will have for us will be in proportion to the degree that we abandon ourselves to Him. I am not just speaking of temporal things, but also of spiritual ones. The Lord Himself taught this same truth to His beloved Saint Catherine of Siena: “Always think about me, my daughter, and I will think about you.” Oh, how happy are those loving souls who know how to observe this rule, thinking only about the Lord, faithfully keeping themselves in His presence, listening to what He has to say to their hearts, obeying His divine inspiration and attractions, and not living or aspiring for anything but to please Him. (Sermons 71; O. X, p. 300)
After a long and successful procedure in the Vatican to obtain the beatification of Francis de Sales, Pope Alexander VII issued the apostolic brief on December 28th, 1661, and on April 29th, 1662, the body of the servant of God was exhumed and laid in a rich silver casket. This was to the generosity of Christine of France, duchess and regent of Savoy. The holy bishop had exercised the role of almoner for her while he was alive. (A.S. IV, p. 766)
When charity requires it, we must communicate to our neighbor, not only whatever is necessary for his instruction, but also whatever comforts and consoles him.
Fear is one of the greatest of evils.
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Post by Hildegard on May 1, 2019 0:52:26 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
APRIL 30th (page 122) Our Divine Savior wishes to extract the heart from our breast, as He did for Saint Catherine, whose feast we celebrate today, to give in return his most divine heart. Hence she could live for love of Him alone. What tremendous happiness would be mine one day, after Holy Communion, to find my poor heart taken out of my breast and in its place the adorable heart of my God! But since we must not desire such extraordinary things, I can at least desire that my poor heart may beat no longer, except in obedience to the heart of Jesus. This would be enough to imitate Saint Catherine, and I would be gentle, humble and charitable, seeing that the heart of our Savior has no laws more loving than those of gentleness, humility and charity. (Letters 684; O. XV, pp. 50-51)
On April 30th, 1613, Francis de Sales, returning from Milan to Savoy, visited at Novara the tomb of Saint Bernard of Menthon, archdeacon of the Cathedral Church of Aosta. Having celebrated Mass, he gave a talk to the canons and the people. He closed with these words: “You must not be surprised if I have such a feeling for this great friend of God, a true Saint Alexis of the Alps. He was born in my diocese, only a mile from where I live, and belonged to one of the most illustrious families of the region.” From Novara the holy prelate went on to Vercelli to prostrate himself before the tomb of Blessed Amedeo IX, duke of Savoy. (A.S. IV, p. 781)
Above all else, our good name and honor must be based on two things: seeking the glory of God and being a good example and source of edification to all.
Well, here we are, fallen into the ditch that we had so firm a resolution to avoid. Get up! Keep going! Have courage.
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