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Post by Hildegard on Jul 8, 2020 19:57:58 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
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.
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July 1st(page 189)
Our will has an enemy that causes us a lot of trouble and often alienates us from the spiritual life. This energy is the multiplicity of desires. How many desires have you in the will? “We have two,” you will answer me. But two are too many because it is enough for us to have one. Our Lord teaches us: “. . . But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her . . .” [Lk 10:41] So one thing alone is necessary. And what is this one thing? It is God alone, my dear souls! We need to love Him alone and nothing else. Certainly, the person who is not satisfied with God, Who is, after all, everything, does not deserve anything else.
(Sermons 30; IX, p. 300)
On July 1, 1595, Francis de Sales climbed to Mount Voiron to see the reestablishment of the oratory and of devotion to the Madonna, which had been so profaned in that place by the Protestants. As he climbed the mountain he was followed and attacked by poor creatures who heaped on him many insults and abuses. The saint asserted afterward that he came through this experience alive only by the special protection of the Madonna. This fact gave him a chance to humiliate himself still further. “I am not even found worthy,” he used to say, “to die, either in the service of the Divine Son or of His holy mother.”
(A.S. VIII, p. 2)
If I every found in me a single fiber, ever so small, which did not vibrate For God, I would immediately cut it out.
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July 2nd(page 190)
When you are sick, offer to Our Lord all your grief, pain and weakness, and beseech Him to join them to the torments He suffered for you. Obey your doctor, take your medicine, food and other remedies for the love of God, remembering the gall He drank out of love for you. Do not refuse sufferings to obey Him, yet desire to get well so as to be able to serve Him. If it should be God’s will, prepare yourself for death, to praise Him and to be happy with Him forever. Remember that while bees are making honey they live and feed on bitter food. Likewise, we can never perform acts of greater sweetness and patience, or create the honey of excellent virtues, better than when we eat the bread of bitterness and live amid afflictions. Just as the best honey is gathered from the blossoms of thyme, a small, bitter herb, so also virtue practiced in the bitterness of the most vile, low and abject humiliations is the most excellent of all.
(INT. Part III, Ch. 3; O. III, pp. 137-138)
Francis de Sales used to spend every July 2nd – then the feast of the Visitation – in one of the houses of his growing institute. In 1615 he went to Lyons, as he also wanted to meet Archbishop Denis de Marquemont. At Lyons, Mother Chantal had founded the second Convent of the Visitation just five months previously, and several of the postulants were ready to take the ;habit as novices. The saint, at the request of the Archbishop blessed and consigned the habits. This same archbishop later strongly encouraged the holy founder to establish his congregation as a religious order with solemn vows and perpetual enclosure. It was for his sake that Francis de Sales gave up his original idea of dedicating his spiritual daughters to the service of the poor and the sick.
(A.S. VII, p. 30)
Be very careful about what may offend your neighbor, and do not make known what is secret, to his or her disadvantage.
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July 3rd (page 191)
In this world we often undergo great hardships in order find satisfaction and rest, but as a general rule our labor is in vain. However, those who have their intellect enlightened by supernatural light know full well that God alone can give them a true and perfect feeling of contentment. Hence they do not entrust their hearts or affections to creatures here below. In fact, if we give our hearts to other people, what will we get out of it? Our search will be useless. Since they are in the same human condition as ourselves, they cannot give us anything but an exchange of affection, loving us so that we will love them. God alone can love us fully, and, jealous of our love, does not want us to find any other object for our love and affections. (Sermons 46; O.X, pp. 43-44)
On July 3rd, 1597, Francis de Sales, no longer able to restrain his zeal for the conversion of the aging minister Beza, traveled once more to Geneva and asked for an audience with him. Francis was accompanied by President Anthony Favre, an outstanding magistrate of his time. They were admitted into a room where they waited a long time for the arrival of Beza. The minister finally received the two gentlemen with great courtesy. He thanked the provost of Sales mots profusely for introducing him to man as learned as Favre, and, taking them into his room, engaged them in conversation for four hours on topics of religion. The minister said to Francis, with tears, “Sir Sales, without doubt the Roman Church is the Mother Church, as I have already said to you. If we could talk together freely we would get somewhere, but I am prevented from doing what I really want to do. Certainly neither my life nor yours would be safe if people found out what we have been discussing.” The young missionary heartily assured him that he would give his own bodily life if that would assure for the other his spiritual life. But the old man rejoined, “This is not something to consider now; we will talk about something else.” And so the conversation ended.
(A.S. VII, p. 50)
We are very much attached to our own opinions and our own judgments, and we esteem them so highly; that is why so few of us reach perfection.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 9, 2020 23:07:08 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 4th (page 192)
When Our Lord corrected Saint Martha, He said, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things. . .” [Lk 10:41] Note that she would not have been troubled if she had been merely diligent, but she was overly concerned and uneasy; she was hurrying about and all stirred up. Rivers that flow gently through the plains carry along large boats and rich merchandise. Rains that fall gently on open fields make them fields and pastures. A job done too eagerly and hurriedly is never done well. “He who is in a hurry should go slowly,” says the proverb. We perform actions quickly enough when we do them well. Drones make more noise and work more eagerly than worker bees, but they make only wax and not honey. So also, people who hurry about with tormented anxiety and solicitude never accomplish much, nor do they do anything well.
(INT. Part III, Ch. 10; O. III, p. 170)
On July 4th, 1595, Francis de Sales, busy in the mission of the Chablais, had a gold-plated silver box made, in which he could put some Hosts; then, carrying it around his neck, he could take Holy Communion to the dying. He would not dare to do this openly. Francis told his spiritual sons that when they saw him walking through the city in a more serious manner than usual, without greeting anyone, it was a sign that he was carrying the Person to whom all respect is due. He told them that they could follow him to honor the Blessed Sacrament and so be present at the Communion for the sick. It is impossible to describe Francis’s appearance when he held on his breast the God of his heart. He used to say that he likened himself to the high priest of the Old Law, wearing the breastplate on which – on twelve precious stones – were imprinted the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. How much more precious – he would say – was his own breastplate!
(A.S. VIII, p. 76)
Speak little, or not at all, of yourself or of what belongs to you.
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July 5th (page 193)
If we think about death with apprehension, this thought will prove to be more harmful than useful. By all means think about death, but peacefully and with tranquility of spirit. Trust in Divine Providence, without worrying about when and where you will die or in what manner, and whether you will be assisted or not at the time. Let us place our trust in the goodness of God and believe that whatever He allows will be for our greater good. (Sermons 62; O.X, p. 324)
On July 5th, 1608, returning from a visitation of the parishes of the diocese, Francis de Sales was very upset when he learned by letter that the pope was annoyed with him because of a memorandum sent to Rome by a certain religious animated by spirit of indiscreet zeal. His holiness was given to understand that Francis de Sales took great delight in hearing the confessions of the common people, in conducting devotions for pious little old ladies, and thus surrounding himself with devotees. In doing all this he was neglecting occasions of giving greater service to the Church! The saint shared his sorrow only with God and did not even discuss it with his brother Louis de Sales or President Favre. He did not allow one word to escape his lips to express his hurt or his criticism of the author of the memorandum, who had many reasons to be grateful to him. However, he wrote to the pope with sincerity and humility, giving him the real facts of the matter. Then he left it at that, although, as he said, he would not be able to regain his usual spirit of joviality until he had received an answer from the pope. The supreme pontiff humbly expressed his displeasure for allowing himself to be thus fooled and taken in, assuring Francis that he was completely satisfied with him, that he esteemed him as a brother and loved him as a son. “I felt so happy,” the saint said on reading this letter, “that God had granted me the joy of my salvation; I do not know how I could have kept on living if I felt that the father of all the faithful was upset with me, that he was not happy about my conduct and even doubtful about my loyalty to the Holy See. I think I would have gone to Rome, got down on my knees and refused to get up until the Holy Father pardoned me.” It is strange how Francis de Sales, who was so kind and thoughtful to everyone, should have met so many people who wanted to hurt him and, frequently, to calumniate him before popes, princes and kings! (A.S. VII, p. 101)
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July 6th (page 194)
I do not want you to be too worried about your prayer made without words, as you put it to me, because it is good if at the end it leaves you with noble affections in your heart. Therefore, follow the path along which the Holy Ghost is calling you, without neglecting to prepare yourself for meditation. It is necessary to give yourself a sufficient preparation which mirrors your attitude; when God lifts us up to lofty heights, to Him alone be the glory!
(Letters 49; O. XIII, p. 334)
Once, on July 6th, Francis de Sales was peaching in the Chablais about pardoning one’s enemies. He preached with so much fervor that the congregation, which gradually increased in size, was deeply moved. After the sermon, a certain Protestant spoke up: “Mr. Preacher every day you preach the Gospel, but I would like to see you practice it.” “Certainly,” replied Francis. “Words without actions do not count for much .” “You said,” the man continued, “But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other:” “Yes,” said Francis. “I said that because it is a Gospel text.” [cf. Matthew 5:39] “Right I would like to know, if I gave you a hefty blow on one cheek at this very moment, would you accept a second?” Francis answered, “I am not able to say because I do not know what I would do; but I know quite well what I should do. It is up to you to put me to the test.” The wisdom and humility of the preacher made a deep impression on the man, who went off in great admiration for the gentleness and moderation of the missionary. From that day on he did not miss any of his sermons and came to realize the truth of the Church, abjuring his errors before the saint, who was truly great in word and work.
(A.S. VII, p. 120)
That soul who, in order to serve God, makes use of the means prescribed for it, Without looking for others, really has the simplicity of a dove.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 10, 2020 2:39:36 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 7th (page 195-196)
The reason why we never receive the grace of sanctification (one single Holy Communion would be enough to make us saints) is that we do not allow the Lord to reign in us as He, in His goodness, desires. The Divine Savior comes into our heart and finds it full of desires, affections and vain aspirations. This is not what He wants; He wants to find our heart empty so He can become its one and only Master. Therefore He says to the holy lover that she should put a seal on her heart [cf. Sg 8:6], so that no one can enter without permission. (Spiritual Treatises XVIII; O. VI, pp. 340-341)
On July 7, 1594, the devil aroused a great deal of jealousy because of the general approbation accorded to Francis de Sales as provost. Some people, in fact, tried by all means available to nullify it. They insinuated themselves into the heart of Bishop De Granier, pretending to be his friends and zealous promoters of the miter. They spoke against Francis to the bishop, just as the enemies of Jesus spoke against Him and His apostles. They told him that Francis de Sales was a new member of the Geneva clergy and yet, with his gentle manners and gift with words, he was winning over the people. All were gathering around him, so that he was more sought after and followed than the real shepherd. The splendor of this applause, according to them, completely overshadowed the office of bishop. The young priest was already setting himself up as a master and doctor and wanted to reform the clergy. Without doubt, they continued, all this lowered the people’s esteem for the bishop. They reminded him how a distant relative of that provost had caused him a great deal of suffering at the abbey of Talloires. In time, Francis himself would no doubt abuse the bishop’s kindness publicly, as he was now doing in secret. These evil insinuations deeply distressed the heart of the bishop and caused him to feel very uneasy. He began to wonder whether he had made a mistake in his appraisal of Francis, and whether he should continue to regard him as a son singularly loved and the object of his confidence. At any rate, he dared not give a public display of his disappointment with the provost, after having shown so many signs of affection for him. Francis came to realize that the bishop’s attitude toward him had changed because he was giving credence to the false accusations against him. Knowing himself to be innocent, Francis resolved before God to keep his feelings of great sorrow to himself. He continued his work in the confessional and the pulpit, his visits to the sick and attendance at priestly gatherings, showing on every occasion the same respect for his beloved prelate. The bishop admired this constancy and piety and began to suspect the insincerity of Francis’s detractors. Determined to set matters straight and despising the campaign of lies, the bishop opened his heart and manifested his misgivings to his son, who did not hesitate to acknowledge how much he had suffered. Francis assured the bishop that he had kept silent solely out of respect, and asked that his calumniators be pardoned. The bishop was adamant that they should be punished, but Francis used his influence to obtain their pardon, this being possible only because of his close friendship with the prelate. This friendship was never again to be broken. The holy bishop De Granier lamented for the rest of his life the fact that he had let himself be led astray by false rumors. (A.S. VII, p. 146)
It has pleased God to make my heart disposed to love my neighbor, I want to love them very much.
Saint Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, widow, cofoundress of the Order of the Visitation, who died in 1641.
The Coat of Arms of the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary (V.H. M.). The initials HIS are the first three letters of the name ‘Jesus’ in Greek. Superimposed on the letter H are two additional letters, A and M, standing for Ave Maria (Hail Mary).
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 10, 2020 22:38:09 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 8th (page 197)
The great Job cries out, And he said to her: “Thou hast spoken like one of the foolish women: if we have received good things at the hand of God, why should we not receive evil? In all these things Job did not sin with his lips.” [Jb 2:10) Oh God, these are the words of a mighty spirit of love! Job professes that he loved the goods he had received, not so much because they were good, but because they came from the hand of God. Since this is so, he concludes that he must bear up lovingly under adversities because they come from the hand of the same Lord, Who is equally kind when He apportions affliction as when He gives consolations.
(T.L.G. Book 9, Ch. 9; O.V, p. 115)
“I say, therefore,” Francis de Sales once wrote to a Carmelite sister, “that there is no better means of obtaining, the gift of prayer than to have God constantly on our minds by the use of ejaculations. The best way to become patient is to put up with other; and the best way to become humble is to put up with humiliation. The habit of virtue is acquired by constant acts of that virtue. You will obtain the gift of prayer by making an act of the presence of God every tiem the clock or bell rings, when you thread a needle, when you leave your room, when you meet one of the sisters, or turn over the pages of the book that you are reading. Say often, “Most sweet Jesus, by the love with which Thee died to carry out Thy mission, have pity on me!” Do you want to become a saint and a great contemplative? Be humble. Really believe that you are the meanest and most imperfect member of your community. I do not think that you will find it hard to convince yourself of that if you reflect on your continual infidelity and imperfections. There is no need to stop here if you want to become a daughter of prayer. You must take another step and rejoice when the others are aware of this and treat you according to the opinion you have of yourself. And you should begin to show more affection for those who treat you in this manner.”
(A.S. VII, p. 172)
The truly patient person suffers with equal strength of soul both the crosses That are ignominious and those that are held in higher esteem by others.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 12, 2020 20:35:44 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 9th (page 198)
The present life is given to us only to earn eternal life. If we forget this, we tend to concentrate all our affections on the things of this world, where we are but birds of passage. So it happens that wen we have to leave this world we become frightened and upset. Believe me, if we want to live as happy pilgrims, we must always have in our hearts the hope of finally reaching that country where we will settle down forever. But at the same time we must believe, and believe with all our hearts (this is a most sacred truth!), that God keeps a loving eye on us as we walk toward Him, and never lets anything happen to us that is not for our greater good. (Letters 1402; O. XVIII, p. 343)
On July 9th, 1619, Francis de Sales closed the octave of the Visitation in the convent of his order which had been founded recently in Paris. He preached and gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. He had to perform this function in the morning because in the afternoon he was engaged to preach in another church. He often gave two sermons a day. Because of this, Father Benet, the Jesuit provincial, a former companion of studies and a very dear friend, reprimanded him, with that holy liberty which he enjoyed because of their long friendship: “My lord, allow me to say to you that while you were in Paris you practiced many virtues, but you also committed two grievous sins.” “Very well, dear Father,” replied the holy prelate, “Tell me in all charity what they were, so that, with the help of God, I can correct them.” “I want to say,” replied the provincial, “that in your kindness you readily accept the invitation to preach two sermons the same day, and in this way you harm both yourself and other preachers. You harm the others because it gives the impression that they are not well-educated and are unable to preach properly; you harm yourself because it is ruining your health. When a mother has twins, one of the babies will often do less well than the other; the same thing happens in sermons, since it is impossible to deliver both of them with the same force of argument and logic. This, permit me to say, does damage to your reputation.” Smilingly the saint replied, “You are right, dear Father, but what can I do? To be condescending is part of my nature; I find it hard to say no to my neighbor, and I cannot do so when what is asked is reasonable. I never make a request to preach, but I lack the courage to refuse if I am asked. Preaching enables me to proclaim the praises of the Lord, of the Madonna and of the saints. I would be quite happy if I were to die doing this!” Father Benet did not know how to answer such a wise and saintly response. He kept it in his hear, and after Francis’s death he spoke of it with great pride from the pulpit, thus giving edification to the entire congregation. (A.S. VII, p. 119)
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July 10th (page 199)
With the single exception of sin, anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul. Just as sedition and internal disorders bring total ruin to a nation and leave it unable to resist the enemy, so also if our heart is inwardly troubled and disturbed, it loses both he strength necessary to hold on to the virtues it has acquired and the means to resist the temptation s of the enemy. We then use up our energies fishing in troubled waters, as they say. (INT. Part IV, Ch. 11; O. III, p. 311)
On July 10th, 1609, Francis de Sales, who like the sun spread his light in every direction, by an apostolic commission and at the direct invitation of the senate of Chambery, traveled to Talloires to reform that ancient priory, founded in honor of the blessed virgin Mary and for the growth of the Benedictine Order by Rudolph, the last king of Burgoyne. The priory of Talloires was built in the foothills of a mountain on the banks of the Lake of Annecy, and our saintly bishop loved this holy place very much. He felt deep displeasure at seeing the religious discipline in decline because of the negligence of the abbots in charge. He wrote to Pope Paul V about the matter and received from him a commission to carry out the necessary reform. In imitation of Jesus Christ, Who taught His apostles to be gentle and humble of heart in their task of converting and reforming the world, the humble and meek Francis, so as to conduct the whole proceeding with the firm gentleness of the Spirit of God, did not want to do anything on his own authority but carried out the commission only as a vicar of Abbot De Savigny. This man, happy about the apostolic commission given to Francis, yielded to him the authority to correct and reform the monastery. The saint, having gathered together the chapter of the abbey of Talloires, gave a beautiful exhortation to the monks and reminded them of the dignity of their vocation, the perfection of life that had for many centuries adorned the monastery, and the deplorable state of the present situation. Francis’s discourse centered around these three points, and he spoke with such spirit that he moved the hearts of the monks, the majority of whom then promised to undertake a conversion of their lives. Yet how much hard work and how many headaches this reform was still to cause the holy prelate! (A.S. VII, p. 228)
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July 11th (page 200)
The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome, says Jesus. [cf. Mt 6:22] Strive to walk simply, without wasting time in many discussions and disputes. As far as you are concerned, there is no one in this world but yourself and God, so you should not get too worried about others, unless God gives you this task to perform. And if God commands you to do this, I beg you not to be influenced by personalities or human respect. Fix your eyes only on God and yourself, and I can assure you that you will never see God divorced from goodness nor yourself without your defects. All the same, see the goodness always as the object of the Divine Goodness. (Letters 174, O. XII, p. 168)
Francis de Sales spent the whole of July 11th, 1609, drawing up new regulations for the abbey of Talloires. Things went so well that many of these monks, won over by the sweetness of honey with which the holy prelate flavored all he said and did, practically threw themselves into his arms. Several of them decided to make a general confession of their lives to him. The man of God listened to them and welcomed them no less warmly than did the father of the prodigal son. His soul overflowed with joy because of the return of those lost sheep to the Benedictine fold, some from a long distance. This pleased him all the more, since he gloried in being a son affiliated, as they were also, with the abbey of Cluny. (A.S. VII, p. 255)
Even the most significant actions are great and excellent when they are performed with a pure intention and a fervent desire to please God.
Mere silence is not wisdom, for wisdom is knowing when and how to speak and when and where to keep silent.
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July 12th (page 201)
The Lord tenderly loves those who have the happiness of abandoning themselves totally to the fatherly care of Divine Providence. They do not stop to consider if it is advantageous or not to their own interests. Let us be convinced that the fatherly heart of God will never allow anything that is not for our greater good. (Sermon 29; O. IX, p. 284)
Francis de Sales left for Talloires early in the morning of July 12th, 1621, accompanied by his brother, John Francis, bishop of Chalcedon and his coadjutor. For a long time the saintly bishop had wanted to open the tomb of Abbot Saint Germain, which was situated in the nave of the church, so as to expose his sacred relics on the altar of the chapel of the repositor. Having arrived there, he had his brother perform the ceremony while he remained kneeling motionless, his eyes fixed on the tomb of that great anchorite. When the coffin was opened he went forward, showed the remains to the people, let them touch those sacred bones with their rosaries and other objects of devotion, and then had the urn taken to the place which had been prepared for it. He took that precious burden on his shoulders and processed around the church and the repository, while he bathed the ground with tears of devotion. Then he gave a stirring sermon to the people who had come for the ceremony. In the meantime, storm clouds covered the sky and rain was threatening. Those present began to worry and to ask how they would get back down the mountain. The holy bishop looked up at the sky, invoked Saint Germain and blessed the air. No sooner had the rain begun to fall than it suddenly stopped, and fine weather was restored. As has been stated, the holy bishop had considered retiring to this place and passing some years in holy peace of soul before leaving this world, if God would allow him to do so. He said one day to Father De Coetz, who later quoted it at the process of his canonization: “It is necessary, my dear Father, to give over my work to a new pastor, so that I can hide myself in this desert. I will put down in writing many things that the Lord has put into my mind; it seems to me that in the silence of His solitude, holy thoughts would shower down in my heart from heaven, just as the snow almost constantly covers this mountain . . . “ (A.S. VII, p. 280)
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 15, 2020 3:23:33 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 13th (page 202)
The best kinds of abjection, those most profitable for our soul and most acceptable to God, are those which come accidentally. This is because we have not selected them for ourselves but have received them as sent to us by God. To say it once and for all, our own choice and selection spoil or lessen almost all our virtues. (INT. Part III, Ch. 6; O. III, p. 154)
Around this date in 1602, Pope Clement signed the decree by which he nominated Francis de Sales bishop of Geneva, declaring that he did so with great joy because he remembered very well his examination in the full consistory. He admired also his apostolic zeal for the salvation of souls. The saint was in Paris at the time on matters relating to the clergy and the re-establishment of the Catholic faith in the county of Gex, an accomplishment he had very much at heart. Occupied solely with the affairs of his Heavenly Father and the salvation of his brothers and sisters, he must not have written anything regarding this decree, because nothing about it is found in the vast volumes of his writings, memoranda and projects that his apostolic zeal inspired him to undertake from the day he was appointed coadjutor bishop of Geneva. The decree was sent without his knowledge, and the saint used to say that he became a bishop by the will of God and the gracious charity of his friends. This thought made the weight of his office light and pleasant, while obliging him at all times to render to God and neighbor love for love and zeal for seal. (A.S. VII, p. 305)
Try to be even-tempered. Only in this way can one show a constant resolution to love God.
It is no virtue to be silent by nature, but it is a virtue to bridle one’s tongue by reason.
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July 14th (page 203)
The sacred gift of prayer is held in the Savior’s right hand; if you empty yourself, that is, if you are very humble, the Lord will communicate it to your heart. Be patient and walk with small steps, until you have legs for running or wings for flying. For the present, be satisfied to be simplify a young bee in the hive in the hive, and soon you will become a bee producing honey. Humble yourself before God and neighbor, because God speaks to those who have their ears tuned to Him. (Letters 1700; O. XIX, p. 332)
July 14th – then the feast of Saint Bonaventure – was a day precious to Francis of Sales. Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas and Saint Bonaventure were his favorite doctors, whose thoughts, he used to say, entirely filled his soul. He usually preached on the feast of Saint Bonaventure, celebrating that feast in some Franciscan church. He invoked this saint daily because at his baptism he was given the name “Francis Bonaventure,” although, by his father’s wishes, he was called by the name of Francis only. Once, on the feast of Saint Bonaventure, he officiated at Matins in the Church of Saint Francis in Annecy, conducted by the Conventuals, and in the afternoon he preached in praise of Saint Bonaventure. When he returned home toward evening, two Capuchins came to visit him and in their conversation gently complained that he had spent all day in the church of the Conventuals and had not visited them. The saint replied, “You are right, but there is still tim,.” and quickly putting on the surplice and cape which he had just taken off he went with them to give Benediction in the church and to preach to the people who had gathered there. These fathers greatly admired the gentleness and the condescension of this good prelate, who said to them in friendly tones, “Oh, don’t you know that I belong, without distinction, to the Order of Saint Francis, to which I am bound by triple ties that are hard to break: my two names at baptism and the affiliation that your superiors general have given and confirmed many times.” (A.S. VII, p. 336)
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 15, 2020 3:26:08 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 15th (page 204)
Sometimes the Lord desires that our souls be nourished by a firm and unfailing resolution to persevere in serving Him in the spiritual life amid hardships, dryness, repugnances and delusions, deprived of every consolation. Our souls indeed experience no spiritual enjoyment, but believe that they are not worthy of anything except to remain close to their Savior by a courageous spiritual effort, without any support except the Divine Will. This is Thy will; how ardently I desire it! (Spiritual Treatises II; O. VI, p. 27)
On July 15th, 1609, while Francis de Sales was busy preparing a very important piece of correspondence, he was interrupted by two religious of Talloires who wanted to make amends. They had committed a grave act of insolence against the prior who had been elected and installed shortly before by the holy bishop, and they believed that no better asylum could be found thatn the arms of this same bishop, whom they had seriously offended in the person of their superior. The good pastor received them with the charity that a saint shows toward the contrite and the penitent. He pointed out to them the wrong they had done and the precipice into which they had plunged themselves. He also explained the authority he had to punish them orally and materially for the crime they had committed against their superior. However, he told them to go in peace, provided that they would have more sense in the future, and be obedient. While they were talking the prior arrived, and the saint, forestalling him, said, “Father Prior, here are two of your good sons, who have told me all about their bad conduct. You should pardon them and make peace with them here and now. We must be careful not to seek out a martyr among our brothers and friends. Yes, yes, we must make sure that we always live in spirit of peace.” It is remarkable how anxious the saint was for the reform of the abbey. He wrote frequently to the superior to encourage him, and to the monks to help and console them. He advised the prior to use lots of honey and milk; namely, gentleness and discretion, in his conduct, “because,” he said, “the newborn do not have teeth for hard food. We must have a great deal of compassion for those persons who are passing from one extreme to the other.” (A.S. VII, p. 357)
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 16, 2020 2:21:19 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 16th (page 205)
Why should I worry whether God prefers that I say the rosary or the office of Our Lady? There are not such great differences between the two as to require a long inquiry. The same applies to questions such as: Should I go to the hospital to visit the sick rather than attend vespers? Should I go to hear a sermon rather than visit an indulgenced church? Ordinarily, there is no greater importance in oen than the other, nor need for lengthy deliberation. We must proceed in good faith and without making subtle distinctions in such affairs. Do freely what seems good at the moment, and do not worry your mind or waste your time! (T.L.G. Book 8, Ch. 14; O.V, p. 106)
On July 16, 1596, the young brothers of Francis de Sales were sent by their mother to the Chablais to visit the saintly missionary. They made use of the opportunity to hold a public recitation of the catechism to attract the young people of the city. This had not succeeded before because there were so few young converts. Francis persuaded his youngest brother, Bernard, to engage him in a public dialogue. Here, in brief, is the text written by the saint in his own handwriting and copied from the original:
Dialogue of July 16, 1596 between Francis and Bernard de Sales
FRANCES (speaking first). Brother, are you a Christian? BERNARD (sitting opposite Francis). Yes, brother, I am, by the grace of God. FRANCIS. When did you become a Christian? BERNARD. In the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. FRANCIS. What does the name of Christian come from? BERNARD. From the Lord Jesus, Who is called Christ, the Anointed One of God. FRANCIS. What is the meaning of the external anointing prescribed by the Church for Christians? BERNARD. It signifies the effects that divine grace works in our souls. FRANCIS. Why is the forehead anointed at confirmation? BERNARD. To increase the grace within us, to give us strength and light to understand and carry out all that is prescribed for our salvation. FRANCIS. Since you are a Christian, what must be your greatest desire? BERNARD. To love and serve God and to dwell eternally with Him. FRANCIS. Very good. But how many things must you possess in order to be saved? BERNARD. As many as the fingers on my hand: 1) Faith; 2) Hope; 3) Charity; 4) the Sacraments; 5) Good works.
(A.S. VII, pp. 380-381)
I am surrounded by so many people, but my heart is alone wherever I go and at all times.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 17, 2020 2:10:55 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 17th (page 206)
The mortal flesh with which the Divine Redeemer invested us is nothing but dust and ashes, but through the union of the divinity in Him it has become so excellent, pure and holy that the skies and the sun are but mud in comparison with it. In a similar fashion, the Host in Holy Communion has the appearance of bread so that we can take and eat it. My God! What joy to think that our heart, while waiting to be united with God in Heaven, can be united with Him in such a marvelous manner in this heavenly mystery! (Letters 743; O. XV, p. 150)
Mr. Bouvard, a citizen of the Chablais, had arranged that on the feast of Saint Alexis, July 17, 1595, Francis de Sales should preach at Thonon, knowing that several of the Protestants who would come to hear the sermon would be deeply moved by the missionary’s discourse. This prompted the ministers to get together for the express purpose of counteracting his influence. They began by saying that the missionary was a sorcerer who drew the crowds by means of incantations and magic. They accused him of this at a public gathering, backing it up by the testimony of a pitiful Huguenot who had sworn in a public oath that he had seen Francis de Sales in a nocturnal assembly of magicians. This story circulated among the people, and from that day on a common subject of conversation concerned burning Francis at the stake! The ministers renewed the prohibition against going to listen to him because, they said, he was in league with the devils and had learned from them during the night all the tricks he was using to ruin the people. The spiritual sons of the saint went to tell him of the resolution that had been passed at the meeting. With true apostolic constancy, Francis only laughed at the information, and then, making the sign of the cross, said, “This is my sign; these are all my spells. With this powerful sign, devils are subject to me, and I put to flight the terrors of the night and the agents of sin that walk in the darkness. Armed with his sacred sign, I have no fear of what man can do to me; if whole armies were lined up against me, I would disperse them with this sign. If the ministers want to work marvels, let them come to me and I will teach them the use and value of the holy cross of Jesus Christ.”
(A.S. VII, p. 408)
God will provide everything and will not allow any one of His faithful servants to lack anything.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 18, 2020 1:01:23 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 18th (page 207)
Love is the life of our heart. Just as weights give movement to the movable parts of a clock, so love gives to the soul whatever movement it has. All our affections follow our love; when divine love reigns in our hearts, it tames sensual love, reduces it to obedience, and puts under its away all sensual passions. In sum, the love of God is the saving water of which Our Lord has said,” . . . But the water that I will give him, shall become in him a fountain of water, springing up into life everlasting..” [John 4:14]
(T.L.C. Book II, Ch. 20; O.V, p. 309)
On July 18th, 1595, Francis de Sales spoke beautifully to his new Christians of the Chablais about grace and the invocation of the saints. This annoyed many of the Protestants; however, they hid their resentment. The saintly missionary, who had to send some urgent documents to the apostolic nuncio in Turin the following day, thought he could retire that evening to the fortress of Allinges to prepare them. To his friends, who feared for him, he was content to reply, “I hope in the Lord and fear nothing.” Just to pacify them he allowed himself to be accompanied by two men. As they reached the bottom of the mountain, the Huguenot assassins staged a surprise attack. Canon Roland and the two men, seeing them approaching, prepared to defend themselves, but the saint absolutely forbade them to strike anyone because, in imitation of the Savior, it was up to him to face these hired agents. Quickening his pace, he went up and spoke to them first, and God inspired so much terror in them that they were dumbfounded. Showing themselves more frightened than those who were to be the victims of the attack, they made a thousand excuses about the orders they had received from their ministers, swearing that from then on they would be his most humble servants. (A.S. VII, p. 438)
I have a deep desire to imprint on your heart a maxim that should be very useful for you. And it is this: “Ask for nothing and refuse nothing.”
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 19, 2020 18:00:02 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 19th (page 208)
After you have finished your examination of conscience and conferred with a suitable spiritual directory concerning your defects and the remedies for them, turn to the following considerations. Use one of them each day by way of meditation and spend some time during your mental prayer on it. Always keep to the same method for the preparation and the affections as you sued in the meditations for the first part. That is, immediately place yourself in God’s presence and implore His grace to establish you in His holy and service. (INT. Part V, Ch. 9; O. III, p. 333)
On July 19th, 1595, Baron Boisy, father of our saint, was told of the insults and dangers to which his son was exposed in the Chablais. The old knight who had never feared for his own safety, was so filled with fear that he might lose his dear eldest son that he expected news of his death any day! Therefore, he wrote to his son with the express order to return to his family, pointing out that he had already done more than enough to give evidence of his zeal. Anyone with common sense would agree that to remain amid too many dangers and to try other modes of attack would be a pig-headed approach, tempting God. The fervent apostle replied in a letter which has been jealously preserved in the archives of the castle of Sales. Here is translation “Most honored father, if Roland were your son instead of your servant, he would not have been so cowardly as to retreat from such a silly encounter and would not have spread the rumor that we were fighting a furious battle. No one doubts the bad will our adversaries, but at the same time you wrong me by impugning my courage. By the grace of God we know that he wo perseveres will be saved; moments of our combat and our tribulation prepare the reward of our eternal glory. I therefore beg you, my father, not to attribute my perseverance to disobedience, but always regard me as your most respectful son.” (A.S. VII, p. 60)
On July 19th, 1877, Pope Pius IX, of saintly memory, bowing to the express desire of the fathers of the First Vatican Council and receiving a favorable vote from the cardinals and other prelates of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, ordered the promulgation of the decree, Quanto Ecclesiae, by which he declared
Saint Francis de Sales a Doctor of the Church.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 20, 2020 17:16:38 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 20th (page 209)
It would have been a good thing if you had knocked down and trampled the infernal dragon under your feet like Saint Margaret, and had clutched the cross strongly to your breast, with your eyes fixes on Heaven! Do not for yourself to destroy pride, but rather make sure that you practice humility, exercising it in humble actions; and have no doubts, because so long as you hold the cross in your arms, you will trample the enemy under your feet. (Letters 405; O. XIII, pp. 300-301)
On July 20th, 1595, faithful to his word given the day before the lord of Sales, Bishop De Granier sent a messenger with a letter to Francis in the Chablais, urging him not to risk his life any longer, because the whole province was worried about him. He then asked him to communicate with him and give him the true state of the mission in that country. The reply of the generous apostle was presented in the process of canonization by Francis Favre, secretary of Bishop De Granier. Here is the translation: “My lord, I would simply like to say to Your illustrious Lordship that these people are so obstinate that they have renewed their prohibition to the public not to come and hear me preach; in this way, when we realize that several would like to come, at least out of curiosity or for some residue of love for the faith, we must be convinced of the obstinacy. They are forever using as an excuse the bad treatment that they would receive from the citizens of Berne and Geneva, who would consider them deserters if they saw them coming to us. They are permitted to approach us only with insults and with stones in their hands. So you can see that in our talks we not only have to combat heresy but in the first place the love of the world. The ministers themselves confess, and other people also assert, that we convince the Protestants by our arguments concerning the most august mystery of the altar, and quite a few would come to us if they were not held back by human respect! But with a bit of patience we hope, my lord, to see the strong army that guards the house thrown out by someone stronger than all; namely, Our Lord Jesus Christ.” (A.S. VII, p. 493)
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 21, 2020 17:45:46 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 21st (page 210)
When we see our neighbor, created in the image and likeness of God, we should say to one another, “See and consider this creature as the likeness of the Creator.” And considering him as such, should we not weep over him in love? Should we not give him a thousand thousand blessings? And this should be done purely out of love of God, from whom he is, whose he is, by whom he is, in whom he is, for whom he is, whom he resembles in a singular manner. (T.L.G. Book 10, Ch. 11; O.V. p. 206)
On July 21st, 1615, Francis de Sales wrote to Mother Chantal, then engaged in the foundation of the Convent of the Visitation at Lyons: “I will share with you a thought that struck me recently in the usual hour that I reserve for my poor soul . . . It centered around the request in the Lord’s Prayer, Hallowed be Thy Name! My God! – I said to myself – may I be given the joy to see one day the holy name of Jesus deeply impressed on the heart of her who carries it impressed on her breast! I remembered the palace of Paris, on the façade of which is written the name of the princes to whom it belonged, and I rejoiced to think that the castle of your heart belongs to Jesus Christ. May He live there forever.” (A.S. VII, p. 516)
It is necessary to combat anxiety and scruples as strongly as possible, because there is nothing which so impedes progress in goodness.
Complain as little as possible of the wrongs which are done to you, for ordinarily the person who complains, sins.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 22, 2020 19:47:56 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 22nd (page 211)
Today I want to wish you one of the blessings accorded to Saint Mary Magdalene; not her ecstasies or extraordinary gifts, but imitating her by sitting at the feet of Jesus all the days of your life. Above all, I hope you have the courage to overcome the difficulties that impeded you from enjoying the divine presence, obstacles that in any way separate you from God. Therefore, continually seek the Lord and do not give up until you have found Him. Seek Him out during this mortal life, not risen and glorious, but crucified and dead. Prepare your shoulders to carry the cross of the Crucified with love, and if the burden is heavy, console yourself, because courage and love will give you the strength. (Sermons 48; O. X, p. 96)
Francis de Sales had a great devotion to Stain Mary Magdalene and preached annually on her feast day, decreeing that his Institute of Saint Mary should celebrate her feast every year. He consciously chose this day to give the habit to the novices who presented themselves, saying that there was no better day to offer to Jesus Christ all worldly habits, their hair and their hearts. On July 22nd, 1607, writing to Madame Chantal, who was still in the world, Francis said the he had experienced that morning an inexplicable joy in finding himself, together with Jesus Christ, at a banquet in the house of the Pharisee. He had not dared to prostrate himself at the feet of his Savior, out of respect for his beloved Magdalene, to whom he had ceded his post. “I was happy,” he said, “not to have so many tears, such a supply of perfume, as that holy penitent; but the Madonna, who was present, seemed to be satisfied with the little drops that were allowed to fall on the clothing of the Savior, not daring to touch His sacred feet. On thing, however, pleased me greatly; after dinner, Jesus entrusted His dear convert to the Madonna, and from that time on, as you well know, she was always by her side. The Madonna embraced that sinner affectionately, and this encouraged and pleased me so much.” (A.S. VII, p. 531)
Never complain that your afflictions are many or heavy or prolonged, because God orders everything in number, weight and measure.
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Post by Hildegard on Jul 23, 2020 18:21:15 GMT
Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales
Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers
July 23rd (page 212)
Be optimistic and make sure you keep in mind the beautiful eternity that awaits you. Usually the children of this world confess only on their deathbed that his present life is unworthy of consideration if not viewed with the future life in mind, but the children of God daily touch this truth with their own hands. The traveler who is returning home dreams of the rest he will have when he finally gets there. So you also should continually long for the eternal peace toward which you are traveling. To acquire it, you should be prepared to work hard here below. (Letters 1305; O. XVII, p. 396)
Reverend Mother Rosalie Greyfie, a most distinguished superior of the Order of the Visitation, declared in the process of canonization of our saint that in 1619 Francis de Sales visited Paris for the last time. There a woman of the streets, engaged in the most deplorable sins, was disowned even by her parents. Like another Magdalene, she became conscious of her sad state and wanted to hide herself in a corner of some convent to do penance. However, she was refused admittance everywhere and so remained abandoned by all. In this extreme crisis she was able to go to confession t our holy pastor and confess everything, with an abundance of contrition and tears. The compassionate heart of the saint was deeply moved. He consoled her in a fatherly manner, gave her advice and obtained entrance for her into a convent of his order. It was in regard to this poor creature that the holy bishop wrote: “It seems that only God and I receive sinners; no one wants anything to do with this poor girl, even though she is truly penitent! I want her to be accepted into one of our houses.” She was indeed received, without any of the sisters objecting, because they knew that his was the wish of their founder. God blessed this act of charity so much that his person lived and died in a spirit of great virtue. Her penance brought many graces; she reached such a high degree of prayer and the spiritual life that directors of souls often went to consult her in seeking to resolve difficulties of conscience. She was a chosen soul who nevertheless practiced great humility. Although strongly encouraged to do so, she never agreed to the wish of several convents of the order who wanted her to become their superior. She reminded them of the disgraceful like that had brought her to the happiness of the religious state. (A.S. VII, p. 532)
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