Highlights of a Saint . . .

Born in a castle to a wealthy family, Francis' parents wanted him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and continue the family line. Yet Francis was drawn to Jesus at an early age. He heard a message telling him to "Leave all and follow Me." Francis took this as a call to the priesthood,  a move his family opposed.

Nevertheless, Francis obeyed his parents and studied law at the University of Padua.  He also studied theology and followed a devote prayer life. His gentle ways eventually won over the family and he entered the priesthood in 1593.

As a young priest, Francis faced danger by preaching in areas that had converted from the Catholic doctrine, and his gentle ways brought many back to the Roman Church.

Francis had a great love for the poor and was a friend of St. Vincent de Paul.  He was admired for his goodness, patience and mildness. Together with St. Jane de Chantal, he founded the order of the Visitation. Francis was a prolific writer and left many classic works to nourish our souls. HIs most famous work,  Introduction to a Devout Life, showed how even ordinary life can be sanctified and       dedicated to God. His main concern was to lead each reader to the love of God and the imitation of Christ.

QUOTATIONS. . .

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

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.

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.

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

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

Be who you dare and be that well.

FRANCIS DE SALES ON PRAYING. . . 

Most of us wouldn't come away from a walk in a beautiful garden without having picked a few flowers, observed St. Francis de Sales. Likewise, he said, before leaving our morning prayer, we should pick one or two inspiring thoughts and "remind ourselves of them during the day, breathing in their fragrance."  

From Becoming a Praying Person, by Kevin Perrotta
Credits: Angie Valentino, Barbara Ahouse, the Internet & St. Francis de Sales.