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Saint Francis de Sales

Saint Francis de Sales Quotes

Bishop of Geneva

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Famous Saint Francis de Sales Quotes

“The highest point of humility consists in not merely acknowledging one's abjection, but in taking pleasure therein, not from any want of breadth or courage, but to give the more glory to God's Divine Majesty, and to esteem one's neighbour more highly than one's self.”

WantGivingSelfPleasureHumilityDivineHighestGloryEsteemMajestyNeighbourGlory Of GodBreadthAbjection
Book:The Saint Francis de Sales Collection [16 Books]
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“When the bee has gathered the dew of heaven and the earth's sweetest nectar from the flowers, it turns it into honey, then hastens to its hive. In the same way, the priest, having taken from the altar the Son of God (who is as the dew from heaven, and true son of Mary, flower of our humanity), gives him to you as delicious food.”

WayGivingEarthHumanityTurnsHeavenTakenSonFlowerPriestsHoneyMaryBeesSacramentsDeliciousAltarsSweetestDewEucharistBlessed SacramentHivesNectarDelicious FoodHoly CommunionEucharisticHoly Eucharist
Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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“When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.”

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Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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“Go to your confessor; open your heart to him; display to him all the recesses of your soul; take the advice that he will give you with the utmost humility and simplicity. For God, Who has an infinite love for obedience, frequently renders profitable the counsels we take from others, but especially from those who are the guides of our souls.”

GivingHeartSoulAdviceHumilityInfiniteSimplicitySaintGuidesYour SoulObedienceDisplayConfessionProfitableOpen Your HeartRecessInfinite Love
Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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“There are many who say to the Lord, "I give myself wholly to Thee, without any reserve," but there are few who embrace the practice of this abandonment, which consists in receiving with a certain indifference every sort of event, as it happens in conformity with Divine Providence, as well afflictions as consolations, contempt and reproaches as honor and glory.”

GivingWellsHappensCertainLordPracticeEventsDivineHonorGloryEmbraceTheeIndifferenceConformityContemptReceivingProvidenceReservesAfflictionConsolationAbandonmentReproachDivine Providence
Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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“In so far as divine love beautifies our souls. And makes us pleasing to His divine Majesty, it is called grace; in so far as it gives us strength to do good, it is called charity; but when it reaches such a degree of perfection, that it makes us not only do the good, but do so carefully, frequently and readily, then it is called devotion.”

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Book:Introduction to the Devout Life
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“Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'”

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Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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“Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to his dear hand, and he will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, he will bear you in his arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or he will give you strength to bear it.”

GivingLooksMayHandsHappensSufferingHopeFatherChanceArmsBearsTomorrowAll ThingsDearAriseThis LifeOur FatherShieldsKeepersHold Fast
Author:Saint Francis de Sales
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