Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Saint Francis de Sales

Quote by Saint Francis de Sales

“Do not fret under such assistance as is needful; therein lies one great grace of poverty. It were overambitious to aim at being poor without suffering any inconvenience, in other words, to have the credit of poverty and the convenience of riches.”

Quote by Saint Francis de Sales

Work

Introduction to the Devout Life

This spiritual guide, originally written in French, provides practical counsel for men and women living in the world who wish to cultivate holiness and devotion in their daily lives. The work addresses the spiritual life in a manner accessible to ordinary Christians, offering principles and practices for growing closer to God while fulfilling worldly responsibilities. more

Author

Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales

Saint Francis de Sales, born on August 16, 1567, and died on December 28, 1622, was the Bishop of Geneva. Known for his profound theological knowledge and exceptional pastoral skills, he is hailed as the 'Saint of France'. During the Reformation period, he dedicated himself to reconciling Catholicism with Protestantism, and his writings have had a profound impact on subsequent generations. more

You May Also Like

“Do not be ashamed of being poor, or of asking alms. Receive what is given you with humility, and accept a refusal meekly. Frequently call to mind Our Lady's journey into Egypt with her Holy Child, and of all the poverty, contempt and suffering they endured. If you follow their example you will indeed be rich amid your poverty.”

“Others will give away large alms in order to be considered charitable people. Should they not give these out of their own wages, which so often they squander on trifles? If this has happened to you, do not forget that you are obliged to pay back to the person concerned all that you gave to the poor without the knowledge or consent of your employers. Then again, there is the one who has been entrusted by his employer with the supervision of the staff, or of workmen, who gives out wine and all sorts of other things to them if they ask him.”

“How are you to meet the swarm of foolish attachments, triflings, and undesirable inclinations which beset you? By turning sharply away, and thoroughly renouncing such vanities, flying to the Saviour's Cross, and clasping His Crown of thorns to your heart, so that these little foxes may not spoil your vines. Beware of entering into any manner of treaty with the Enemy; do not delude yourself by listening to him while intending to reject him.”

“I would heartily welcome the union of East and West provided it is not based on brute force.”

“Without a doubt, one of the things which keeps us from attaining perfection is our tongue. When one has reached the point of no longer committing faults in speech, he has surely reached perfection, as was said by the Holy Spirit. The worst defect in talking is talking too much. Hence, in speech be brief and virtuous, brief and gentle, brief and simple, brief and charitable, brief and amiable.”