St. Francis De Sales Quotes

A collection of quotes by St. Francis De Sales.

St. Francis de Sales was a 16th-century Roman Catholic priest, bishop, theologian, and spiritual writer. He was born on August 21, 1567, in the Kingdom of Savoy, which is now a part of present-day France. Known for his gentle nature and kind-heartedness, St. Francis de Sales dedicated his life to promoting the beliefs of the Catholic Church during the tumultuous times of the Protestant Reformation.

After completing his studies in theology and law, he was ordained a priest in 1593. St. Francis de Sales became renowned for his persuasive preaching, as he steadfastly defended the Catholic faith in the face of increasing Protestantism. He actively took part in debates with Protestant leaders, emphasizing peaceful dialogue and friendly discussions.

In 1602, St. Francis de Sales became the bishop of Geneva, despite it being a predominantly Calvinist city. He worked diligently to inspire faith and unity among his flock, striving to bring people back to the Catholic Church. He authored several spiritual classics, including "Introduction to the Devout Life" and "Treatise on the Love of God," which earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.

St. Francis de Sales remains a highly revered and beloved saint in the Catholic Church. He is recognized as the patron saint of journalists, writers, and the Catholic press, as he extensively used printed materials to spread his teachings. His humble and compassionate approach to faith continues to inspire countless individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God.

While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do

While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do greater things.

St. Francis De Sales

Facts

The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent

The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.

St. Francis De Sales

Animals

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.

St. Francis De Sales

Action(s)

If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the

If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the point quite gently and replace it tenderly in its Master's presence. And even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour but bring your heart back and place it again in Our Lord's presence, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour would be very well employed.

St. Francis De Sales

Heart

There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.

There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.

St. Francis De Sales

Anger

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be t

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

St. Francis De Sales

Individuality

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience wit

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew -

St. Francis De Sales

Patience

Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, neve

Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off.

St. Francis De Sales

Friends

There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine lov

There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love -- every man works his oar voluntarily!

St. Francis De Sales

Freedom

It is the mark of a mean, vulgar and ignoble spirit to dwell

It is the mark of a mean, vulgar and ignoble spirit to dwell on the thought of food before meal times or worse to dwell on it afterwards, to discuss it and wallow in the remembered pleasures of every mouthful. Those whose minds dwell before dinner on the spit, and after on the dishes, are fit only to be scullions.

St. Francis De Sales

Food

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they thems

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they themselves are more afraid than anyone, for whereas other men fear only them, they fear everyone.

St. Francis De Sales

Fear

Marital intercourse is certainly holy, lawful and praisewort

Marital intercourse is certainly holy, lawful and praiseworthy in itself and profitable to society, yet in certain circumstances it can prove dangerous, as when through excess the soul is made sick with venial sin, or through the violation and perversion of its primary end, killed by mortal sin; such perversion, detestable in proportion to its departure from the true order, being always mortal sin, for it is never lawful to exclude the primary end of marriage which is the procreation of children.

St. Francis De Sales

Sex

Do not wish to be anything except what you are.

Do not wish to be anything except what you are.

St. Francis De Sales

Self Love