Words have power. Just ask St. Francis de Sales, whose feast the Church commemorates on Jan. 24 each year. While he is best known for his famous and comprehensive work on spiritual formation, Introduction to the Devout Life, there are many writings attributed to St. Francis de Sales that are rich with simple but sage spiritual wisdom. In fact, so known for his words was St. Francis de Sales that he became the patron of writers and journalists. (On a side note, he also happens to be our current editor’s confirmation saint — a story for another time.)
St. Francis de Sales is also recognized as a doctor of the Church, and he is specifically called the Doctor caritatis (Doctor of Charity) in this regard. While his writings certainly plumb the depths of the spiritual life, they also communicated the great love of God in very plain and relatable ways. Below are a few quotes from St. Francis de Sales which exemplify this gift of his. St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
“Half an hour’s meditation is essential except when you are very busy. Then a full hour is needed.”
“We must fast with our whole heart, that is to say, willing, wholeheartedly, universally and entirely.”
“Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.”
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.”
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
“The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”
“You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working, and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves.”
“We all have a vocation. We believe that God has placed us in this life to fill a special need that no one else can accomplish.”
“We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.”
“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.”