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Post by Hildegard on Jun 15, 2019 21:49:47 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 16th (page 169)
When man shall have finished, says scripture, then he will begin. All that we have done so far is good, but what we are about to begin is better. And when we have finished that, we will begin something else which will be better still, and then the next thing will seem even more fruitful . . . right up until the time we leave this life to begin another that will never end; and we will not be able to commence anything better than that. (Letters 1049; O. XVI, p. 312)
On June 16, 1622, in compliance with orders received from Pope Gregory XV, Francis de Sales left for Pinerolo, where he was to preside at the General Chapter of the Reformed Cistercians. This trip cost him a good deal. It was at an inconvenient time and the weather was extremely hot. He was very weak, worn out more by hard work than old age, since he was not yet fifty-five years old. It could be seen clearly that his death was at hand; in fact, after this trip, he lived only a few a few months longer. Notwithstanding all this, his zeal overcame these difficulties and so edified these good religious that they almost thought they had in their midst the gentle, pious and fervent Saint Bernard. One of these could not help saying, “My lord, it seems tat we have our father Bernard in our midst once more.” And the saint replied, “Pray to the Lord that I may be able to imitate him, since by divine mercy I am his admirer and most affectionate son, I have been on a pilgrimage to Citeaux to honor his remains and his solitude.” These good religious received the holy bishop not only as an apostolic delegate but as an angel from Heaven. He was in their midst more as a father than a judge, listening with admirable patience to the requests of some, the complaints of others, the ideas of all. All fell free to approach him with full liberty. He did not ignore even the smallest details, which made some become impatient because they wanted to dispose of all the business as quickly as possible. The saint wished to instruct them and set an example at the same time, and said that in order to satisfy the small and great needs it was necessary to listen to the small and great accounts; otherwise one or the other would suffer injustice. The very angels, he said, take great interest in little things, so as to give us an example and urge us to do likewise, according to the recommendations of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. (A.S. VI p. 312)
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 16, 2019 22:48:24 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 17th(page 170)
Among all the precepts that God has given us, nothing can be emphasized more than the practice of the love of one’s neighbor. This is not because it takes precedence over the love of God, but because our nature finds the love of neighbor difficult and so we are in need of particular encouragement. Therefore, we ought to love one another with all the affection of our hearts in order to please the Heavenly Father; but let us love one another in an orderly way, remembering that reason teaches us to love the soul more than the body. (Sermons 59; O. X, p. 279)
On June 17th, 1622, since there was no session of the General Chapter of the Cistercians, Francis de Sales occupied his day in episcopal function, as he had been asked to do by the apostolic nuncio on behalf of the duke of Savoy and the vicar general of the diocese of Turin. He administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a great number of children and youths, and all were amazed that he could do so much during very hot weather. Then, in a function lasting a long time, he preached and conferred the Tonsure and Minor Orders on a large number of candidates. Finally, overcome by the heat, the saintly bishop fainted for lack of fresh air, in the midst of the great crowd attending the ceremony. The incident so alarmed the Cistercians that they carried him into their choir to assist him. When he regained consciousness, the saint pleasantly repeated to them these words of Saint Bernard, “It would be inappropriate for a member of Christ not to suffer when Christ, our head, was crowned with thorns!” As soon as he felt better and had recovered his composure, he returned to the performance of his duties. Afterwards, until late in the evening, he heard the confessions of all who came to him, the young and the old, the rich and the poor. (A.S. VI, p. 409)
Only in Heaven will be found all the consolation and peace of a perfect state; as long As we are living here below, good will always be mixed with evil.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 20, 2019 0:55:32 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 18th (page 171)
The heavenly food of the Eucharist is a spiritual food that diffuses and communicates itself to all parts of the soul and the body in such a way that we have Jesus Christ in our mind, our hearts, our breasts, our eyes, on our tongues, in our ears, hands, feet . . . and the sweet Savior redresses, purifies and enlivens all our being. He lives in our heart, understands in our mind, strengthens us in our breasts, helps us to see with our eyes, speaks with our tongue, and so for all the rest. In summary, “And I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me. And that I live now in the flesh: I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered himself for me.” [Douay Reims Gal 2:20] (Letters 430; O. XIII, p. 358)
On June 18th, 1622 while presiding over one of the sessions of the Cistercian General Chapter, Francis de Sales was seized by violent pains and had to suspend the session and retire to his room, where he remained in pain for several hours. Then he had a pleasant and consoling conversation with Father Goulu (whose name in religion was John of Francis), one of the greatest religious of the century, famous for his knowledge of almost every language, particularly Hebrew, Greek, Latin and French. The saint said to him among other things, “Father, I would like to outline my plans in order to get your good advice. I have thought of writing a simple account, in chronological order, of events in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, this would simply refer to the literal sense. A second book that I have planned would outline the proof of all the points of Catholic doctrine which are being challenged and subjected to controversary. In this book I would make use of the very words of Our Lord Jesus Christ contained in the Gospel, it would be a book of apologetics. A third book would contain instructions for living well, for the practice of the Christian virtues and the pursuit of perfection and the spiritual life, compiled from the maxims of the Gospel and the exhortations of Jesus Christ Himself; this book would be a guide for morals. I also have an idea for a book on the Acts of the Apostles, with the intention of showing the primitive Church in its birth, and the order and conduct that the Holy Ghost and the apostles set down at the beginning; it would be a historical book. If I am given the time, I would continue with the Epistles of Saint Paul. The four volumes would have the title, The History of the Man-God. Besides this, I have an idea for a book on the four loves: of God, of ourselves, of our friends and of our enemies, along with some pastoral exhortations.”
(A.S. VI, p. 428)
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 20, 2019 0:56:14 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 19th (page 172)
When the soul is completely restored to health by that balm of charity which the Holy Ghost places in its heart, then it can go forward and stand on its own feet, although this is still by virtue of its new health and the sacred medicine of holy love. For this reason, although it can walk by itself, it must still render all the credit to God, Who has given it such vigorous and sturdy health. In fact, whether the Holy Ghost strengthens us by movements that He impresses on our hearts or supports us by the charity He infuses into them; whether He save us by lifting us up and carrying us forward or strengthens our hearts with His invigorating and entwining love, it is always in Him and by Him that we live, move and work.
(T.L.G. Book 3, Ch. 3; O. IV, p. 176)
On June 19th, 1622, Francis de Sales successfully completed his apostolic commission as president of the Cistercian Chapter at Pinerolo, where Father John of Saint Francis was elected the minister general. All that the saintly bishop had set out was confirmed by Rome. Our saint had presided as a father of that assembly and wished to leave as a son and brother of all. Therefore, he received, with all reverence possible, the diploma of affiliation and participation in the spiritual riches of the order. He greatly appreciated this gesture, and said, “I have tried up until now to be a disciple of Saint Bernard by the reading of his admirable works, but now I am no longer a servant but a son, and I will do all I can to show myself grateful for such a gift.” When the external ceremonies were over and the juridical acts were signed, these good religious wanted to discuss the interior affairs of their souls with the holy bishop. He did this with mutual satisfaction. For the rest, it would be impossible to exaggerate the esteem, the honor and the veneration that all of them had for the holy prelate. After his death, the minister general, Father John of Saint Francis, was one of the first to publish the history of his life. In it he attested that he knew by experience that this holy bishop was one of the most learned men of his time, and that he knew of no other man who examined and pondered matters of importance more exactly and scrupulously. He always seemed able to find the solution that was the most just and wise.
(A.S. VI, p. 452)
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 21, 2019 1:30:46 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 20th (page 173)
Very often we do not abandon ourselves entirely into the hands of God because it seems to us that God will not take very much notice of us, since we consider ourselves good for nothing. The world likewise has little use for us. On the contrary, a courageous spirit relies on faith, grows in courage amid difficulties, and knows quite well that God loves, supports and helps those in need when they confide and hope in Him. (Letters 1197; O. XVII, pp. 205-206)
On June 20th, 1622, Francis de Sales left Pinerolo and arrived the same day of Turin, where Princess Christine of France received him like an angel from Heaven. She had prepared magnificent lodgings for him. The saint, however, immediately implored her to give him permission to retire to the Cistercian Monastery of the Consolata, where he had chosen for himself a small room which was most uncomfortable in the excessive heat of that season. “Give me the consolation,” he said to the religious, “of living for a short time as your brother, because that is what I really am.” And when those good religious began to make excuses for the inconveniences of his lodging, he replied, “What? With your kindness will you throw me out of the house of our father, Saint Bernard? Remember, he had hospitality very much at heart.” It gave Francis great pleasure to give fervent talks on the name of that Monastery of the Cistercians in Turin that was dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation. He often said, “I know of no better place to be than at the foot of the blessed virgin, the mother of all consolations.” He kept away from the court as much as he could, saying that the more he saw of the world, the less desire he had to become worldly; it was a novitiate where he had no desire to make his profession.
(A.S. VI, p. 467)
Self-love only ends when this life ends. We cannot prevent its attacks, But it is quite sufficient for us to keep it under control.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 21, 2019 23:51:38 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 21st (page 174)
Mount Calvary is the mount of lovers. All love that does not take it origin from the Savior’s passion is foolish and perilous. Unhappy is death without the Savior’s love; unhappy is love without the Savior’s death. Love and death are so mingled in the Savior’s passion that we cannot have the one in our heart without the other. Upon Mount Calvary we cannot have life without love, or love without the Redeemer’s death. (T.L.G. Book 12, Ch. 13, O.V, p 346)
On June 21st, although exhausted by his trip and his labors, Francis de Sales did not want to delay giving a report to the supreme pontiff on the commission he performed at the General Chapter of the Cistercians. He therefore spent the whole day writing in his own hand to the Holy Father and to several cardinals and other prelates of the Roman court, giving a positive account of the virtue and devotion of these good religious. In one of his letters we read: “It pleased Your Holiness to send me to preside over the General Chapter of the Cistercians. I found among them such a rare degree of harmony and piety that I felt obliged to praise the Divine Majesty, since it was He who had communicated to mortal men such a gentle and loving spirit of peace. With much good sense they elected the best possible minister general because they had their minds set on a person who possessed much learning, consummate prudence and outstanding piety, all combined in one man. His precious writings are a beautiful proof of what I mean, since God has made use of his pen to highlight the holy teachings of the Catholic Church.” (A.S. VI, p. 502)
It seems to me that instead of being discouraged by our imperfections, we should be consoled. If we know about them, we can do something to correct them.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 23, 2019 2:34:55 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 22nd (page 175)
The great work of devotion consists in the exercise of spiritual recollection and ejaculatory prayers. It can supply the lack of all other prayers, but its loss can hardly be repaired by other means. Without this exercise we cannot properly lead the contemplative life, and we can but poorly lead the active life. Without it, rest is mere idleness and labor is drudgery. Hence, I exhort you to take up this practice with all your heart and never give it up.
(INT. Part III, Ch. 13; O. III, p. 100)
On June 22nd, 1622, Francis de Sales fell seriously ill at Turin, and his illness lasted for about three months. The saint, mastering himself more and more in his sickness, captured the admiration of those around him for his patience, obedience and evenness of temper. He particularly liked to have read to him the life of Saint Paulinus, the Bishop of Nola, whose feast the Church commemorates this day. He said that what had inspired his devotion to this saint was the fact that he had received much help from him throughout his mission in the Chablais, when, he used to say, he had almost received the grace of becoming a slave, to snatch those poor people from the slavery of heresy. “But”, he added with deep humility, “I was worth so little that I did not merit to be sold as a slave, as was my little Saint Paulinus [as he used to call him], or have my head cut off, as the great Saint Paul. When all is said and done, I am nothing else but a vessel of imperfection.” (A.S. XI, p. 523)
Keep an eye on your affections. Almost all of us love according to our own taste; very few of us know how to love according to the reasoning and will of God.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 28, 2019 1:26:49 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 23rd (page 176)
Love of God does not consist either in consolations or displays of tender affection; otherwise, Our Lord would not have loved His Father when, sad even unto death, He cried out, “And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Mk 15:34] Yet it was then that He exercised the greatest act of love that you could image! We want to have a spoonful of sugar in our spiritual food; namely, the experience of love and even more so of consolation. In the same way, we want to be free of all imperfections, but we have to put up with our human nature and not imagine that we have an angelic one. (Letters 1402; O. XVIII, pp. 171-172)
Within six months of his consecration as bishop, Francis de Sales had already formulated excellent guidelines for the direction of parish priests and officials of the diocese. So, on the vigil of the feast of Saint John the Baptist in 1603, he said with gracious simplicity that, having looked after the business of the great, he would have to get down to that of the little. Therefore, he wrote some norms for the public teaching of catechism; an autographed copy is still extant. He personally visited the Church of Saint Dominic of Annecy, when he delivered a fervent exhortation on Christian infancy in honor of the birth of Saint John. He then divided the conference of the catechism into three classes, according to age and sex, erecting it with the title of and under the protection of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In the chapel of the glorious spouse of the virgin mother of God, the holy pastor himself commenced this fatherly teaching. From that day on, every Sunday, immediately after midday, a young man dressed in a blue dalmatic could be seen walking through the streets, having written on his chest and on his shoulders, in gold letters, the sacred name of Jesus. He rang a bell and called out, “Come along to Christian doctrine, and you will be taught the way to Heaven.” Good order was kept in the teaching of catechism. The holy prelate or his substitute mounted the pulpit. Down below, the boys were seated on one side and the girls on the other. After the singing of the Veni Creator, there were questions, answers and examples. Finally, all sang some hymns in the vernacular. Eventually this catechism class was attended by adults of both sexes, people from all levels of society, so that it became no longer catechism for young children but public instruction of the people. (A.S. VI, p. 542)
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 30, 2019 19:52:19 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 24th(page 177)
I have often wondered what was the greatest mortification practiced by the saints, and, after serious reflection, I discovered this: Saint John the Baptist went out into the desert when he was five years old, knowing that his Redeemer had been born and was living not far from him. God alone knows how the heart of Saint John loved his cousin, Jesus, and how much he would have enjoyed His company. All the same, he remained for twenty-five years in the desert without once coming out. Then, after he had left the desert, he settled down to preaching without going to see Jesus, but waited until the Lord came to him. Even after he had baptized Him, he carried on with his mission! He had his sprit entirely detached from everything so as to do God’s will and to serve Him. (Letters 234; O. XIII, pp. 366-367)
In the letters of the holy doctor can be seen his incomparable devotion to the glorious precursor of Christ. He called Him the father and the son of the Visitation of Mary. It was certainly not without a special Providence of the Lord that he gave his first sermon on the feast day of John the Baptist, the voice and forerunner of the Word. It was the day of the first preacher of the Gospel when Francis de Sales preached for the first time in public, on June 24, 1593. He appeared in the pulpit with a modest, yet confident manner, taking for his subject the real presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Eucharist. He explained very devoutly and eloquently how the Supreme Good communicates itself. He distinguished three sublime communications: the first, of the Father, Who communicates Himself to the Son, and the Father and the Son, Who communicate themselves to the Holy Ghost; the second, by which the Holy Trinity communicates the Divine Person of the Word to human nature in the mystery of the Incarnation; the third, in which God communicates the body of His Son, not only to human nature in general, but to every person in particular, in the Eucharist. When Francis finished, there was great enthusiasm and approval from the listeners. Many expressed their opinion aloud, with tears of joy, that truly God had visited Savoy and had raised a new star in the Church of Geneva. The most pleased of all was the holy bishop, Claude De Granier. He turned to his friends and remarked, with joy in his heart, “You have heard my son. What do you think? Did he not say admirable things in a still more admirable manner?” Truly we have in him an apostle powerful in works and words. God has given him to us to instruct the people in the science of eternal life.” (A.S. VI, p. 655)
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 25, 2020 17:23:08 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
JUNE 25th (page 178)
We must not only leave alone what is not our business, but even be detached from our own will that we so often favor as if it were our own mother! God is not satisfied with our gifts if they are not accompanied by a generous disposition of our heart. Because of this the Divine Majesty first of all demands our hearts . . . and then as a consequence all our gits will be accepted. (Sermons 16 O. IX, pp. 136-137)
On June 25th, 1593, Sir Anthony d’Avully of Saint Michael, who, as we have said, was one of the most learned and adamant of the Protestants, secretly paid a visit to Francis de Sales. He confessed that a talk Francis had given in public the previous day had so shaken him and moved his heart that he wanted to have several more talks with him, to obtain light and to make sure of the salvation of his soul by the full knowledge of the truth. Francis received him with much kindness and humility, and at the same time with so much courage and zeal, that his gentleman, who was much older that the preacher, esteemed him all the more. Meanwhile, his desire to learn the truth increased and led to his conversion. In fact, he abjured his former beliefs in the presence of the saint, who truly shone out like the sun, gaining the admiration of all. His life was the fruit of holy actions. At home he always seemed to be occupied in prayer and study; in the city no one outdid him in modesty; in the choir he could be seen motionless in his stall, as if he were an angel who enjoyed the vision of the Supreme Good. He spent much time visiting the sick, reconciling enemies and performing works of Christian charity. In view of such sincerity and evidence of virtue, his reputation for holiness grew greater day by day.
(A.S. VI, p. 587)
To live spiritually means to regulate our thoughts, words and deeds, not according to human Criteria but according to the truths of Christianity.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 28, 2020 1:34:09 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
June 26th (page 179)
Humbly and sincerely reveal to your confessor and spiritual director all the feelings, affections and suggestions that proceed from your sadness. At these times seek the company of spiritual persons and spend as much time with them as you can. Resign yourself into God’s hands and be ready to suffer this distressing, sadness patiently as a just punishment for your vain joys. Do not doubt that after God has put you on trial Hel will deliver you from this evil.
(INT. Part IV, Ch. 12; O. III, pp. 315-316)
It is impossible to describe the diligence that Francis de Sales employed in cultivating his interior life. He examined the most minute circumstances of all his defects with a firm resolution to correct himself. He had not only sworn to wage war against everything that would make him less pleasing to God, to wage war against whatever would make his relations with Him less ardent. Always on the alert, he was rarely surprised or caught off guard. He kept his soul continually in the presence of God. He had formed such a habit of recollection that all his thoughts, words and actions were perpetual ebb and flow of thinking, saying and doing all in God, for God and according to God’s will. As balm melts when it is heated, so his heart, warmed by the flame of Divine Goodness, melted and became one with God. That is why his way of speaking, his face, his eyes and his whole appearance exuded the sweet perfume of the divine presence. Wherever he went it seemed that God went with him.
(A.S. IV, p. 605)
Do not allow your spirit to dwell on vain and useless thoughts. If you form this bad habit, your imagination will soon degenerate into entertaining dangerous and evil thoughts.
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
June 27th (page 180)
Pure love of God is the precious pearl found by all who are in search of Heaven; in exchange for it they are ready to sell all they possess. In fact, we notice that the first Christians were not content with observing, the commandments of God. They also put into practice the counsels, abandoning everything with a true spirit of detachment. Hence it can be truly said that they were “of one heart and one mind.” [Acts 4:32] The words “mine” and “thine” no longer existed for them.
(Sermons 20; O. IX, p. 173)
What can we say of the respect and great reverence Francis de Sales had for the Blessed Sacrament exposed for public veneration? He could often be seen on his knees, with great humility, modest composure and deep attention. He did not move but always remained bareheaded, regardless of weather. He was bald and, although the flies hit him until his head was bleeding, as was often observed, he did not drive them away. He preferred to suffer their loathsome persistence patiently, rather than show the least sign of unrest before his dear Lord.
(A.S. IV, p. 628)
Accustom yourself to know how to pass from prayer to all sorts of actions. The attorney must learn to go from prayer to pleading; the salesman,
to business; the married woman, to the duties and cares of her house, with such gentleness and calm that the spirit is not disturbed. Since both are according to the will of God, we must make the passage from one to the other in a spirit of humility and devotion.
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Post by Hildegard on Jun 28, 2020 16:27:23 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
June 28th (page 181)
How can we recall that Jesus was crucified for love of us and still love anything but Him? How many times we have repeated, written, sung and signed, “May Jesus reign!” Yet on other occasions we have cried out, “Crucify Him!” But they cried out: Away with him; away with him; crucify him. Pilate saith to them: Shall I crucify your king? The chief priests answered: We have no king but Caesar. [Jn 19:15] My God, how strong we would be if we were closely bound with the holy ties of love purpled by your blood as our Savior!
(Letters 2001; O. XXI, p. 44)
On June 28th, 1607, Francis de Sales went to Thonon to exercise his office of a good shepherd. He called together a large assembly of priests and lay people to restore order in the hospital called the Holy House, founded by him there in 1599. Francis himself was made the prior of Saint Hyppolytus of Thonon, which until then had been under the direction of the Knights of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. According to the canons and decrees of the council, it was decided that the priests of the Holy House would remain under the jurisdiction of the bishop. However, with the authority and power of their association, the knights were to take over the protection of the Holy House; one of them would bear the title of manager. In turn, the priests were obliged to pray for the conservation and prosperity of the knightly order. Having wisely disposed of the matter, the holy prelate had all parties sigh the agreement and bound them by oath to keep it. Finally, he addressed the manager and the prefect of that holy hospice, exhorting them to preserve mutual unity among themselves for the glory of God and the edification of all. He pointed out, with many holy arguments, that only Christian charity can build up the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Church.
(A.S. IV, p. 677)
Nothing done hastily is done well. So it is a good thing always to work peacefully and gently.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 1, 2020 3:41:27 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
June 29th (page 182)
In some passage of Sacred Scripture we read that the Holy Ghost offered a prayer. Surely this cannot mean that He prayed because, as God, He is equal to the Father and the Son. We must simply understand that He inspired men and women to pray.
(Sermons 8; O. IX, p. 52)
By order of Bishop of Granier, on June 29th, 1593, the feast of the glorious apostles Peter and Paul, Francis de Sales preached once more in Annecy. The piety of our saint stood out distinctly in this sermon, and the fruit which it bore for the good of souls was outstanding. He nourished a wonderful devotion to these glorious princes of the Church, and called them two lights created by God in the firmament of the Church. Whenever He was in Rome, he delighted in going to pray over their tombs, so much so that he could hardly be dragged away. He spoke and preached often in their honor, and even when he simply mentioned their names, he did so with great respect. An illustration of this can be seen at the end of the preface to his Treatise on the Love of God.
(A.S. VI, p. 715)
The soul that wants to be converted form sin to a life of perfection cannot expect to attain it immediately. Only little by little does the dawn drive away the darkness.
June 30th (page 183)
When Human prudence gets involved in our desires, it is difficult to silence because it is persistent and, to our disadvantage, insinuates itself into all that we do. How, then, can we purify our intention? Let us see whether our desire can be considered just and holy. If it is, we should follow it, not just to obey human prudence but to carry out the will of God.
(Letters 1871; O. XX, p. 222)
Once on June 30th, Francis de Sales preached in the church of the Baranabite Fathers, who had been established in the city of Annecy at his own request. Since these religious had a special devotion to the apostle of the Gentiles, their patron, the holy prelate took as his text the passage from Scripture that says, “. . . Children's children are the crown of old men: and the glory of children are their fathers.” [Prv 17:6] He pointed out to the Barnabites that their father was Saint Paul, and to the people that they were dear sons and daughters of such a great father. He spoke of their institution, their religious practices, and of the fruits that the city should derive from such outstanding examples of learning and virtuous life. When the saintly bishop was away from Annecy, he often confided his spiritual sons to these good Barnabite Fathers, who then guided them in the confessional and in spiritual direction. Upon returning he would say to them with gentle humility, “These little plants cultivated by your loving care in the garden of the Spouse have grown so much during my absence that I hardly recognized them when I returned.”
I was then the custom in the city of Annecy to observe Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on three successive days in every church, according to the dates of their foundations. There were those who said that the church of the Daughters of the Visitation should have exposition first, since they were established in the city more than three years before the Barnabites. The saintly prelate replied, “No, no, my daughters do not look for first place or to try to come before anyone; let the Barnabite Fathers have the honor.” From that time on, the church of the Banabite Fathers took precedence.
(A.S. VI, p. 754)
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