Saint Francis de Sales Quotes

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Saint Francis de Sales

Profession : Clergyman

Birth : August 21, 1567

Through devotion, your family cares become more peaceful, mutual love between husband and wife becomes more sincere, the service we owe to the prince more faithful, and our work, no matter what it is, becomes more pleasant and agreeable.

Saint Francis de Sales

Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections.

Saint Francis de Sales

A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship.

Saint Francis de Sales

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.

Saint Francis de Sales

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

Saint Francis de Sales

Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself.

Saint Francis de Sales

The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.

Saint Francis de Sales

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

Saint Francis de Sales

Half an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.

Saint Francis de Sales

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.

Saint Francis de Sales

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

Saint Francis de Sales

By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God.

Saint Francis de Sales

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

Saint Francis de Sales

True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.

Saint Francis de Sales

The thoughts of those moved by natural human love are almost completely fastened on the beloved, their hearts are filled with passion for it, and their mouths full of its praises.

Saint Francis de Sales

To live according to the spirit is to love according to the spirit.

Saint Francis de Sales

Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others, and talk to God.

Saint Francis de Sales

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved.

Saint Francis de Sales

So many have come to me that I might serve them, leaving me no time to think of myself. However, I assure you that I do feel deep down within me, God be praised.

Saint Francis de Sales

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

Saint Francis de Sales