35+ St Francis de Sales Quotes From The Gentleman Saint

Born on 21 August 1567, Francis de Sales was the eldest of the 13 children, an heir to the family name.

Destined towards a career in law and politics, he longed only to serve God from his young age. St. Francis gave up a promising career in civil service in favor of the priesthood.

Francis de Sales took up missionary soon after, and eventually, he was named the Catholic Bishop of Geneva in 1602. He is known as the author of the famous book 'An Introduction To The Devout Life' published in 1609; it was not just based on religion but was written for ordinary people. Even today, the book is considered a spiritual classic found in book stores in multiple languages across the world.

If you enjoy reading some of the best Saint Francis de Sales quotes, check out our articles [St Therese of Lisieux quotes] and [St. Ignatius quotes] for more such exciting quotes.

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Francis de Sales died in 1622 in France. His reputation spread rapidly after his death. Later he was given the rare title 'Doctor of the church', only given to less than 40 other saints. Find some of his best Saint Francis de Sales quotes from the believer Catholic church.

1. "A sign that we love truly love God is that we love Him the same in all occasions"

-Saint Francis de Sales.

2.  "Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

3. "We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

4. "Devotion spoils nothing when it is true. Quite the contrary, it perfects Everything."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

5. "When God's will is shown clearly to us through divine ordinances and commandments, there is nothing further to deliberate on for we must simply do what has been ordained."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

6. "Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God’s will."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

7. "The secret of secrets in prayer is to follow attractions in simplicity of heart."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

8. "Charity and devotion are no more different from one another than flame from fire. Charity is a spiritual fire; when it is embraced it is called 'devotion'."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

9. "Living in the present moment enables us to reinterpret our past and to prepare for our future. Living in the present moment enables us to become more of whom God calls us to be in the real circumstances in which we find ourselves each day."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

10. "Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

Through his writings, Francis De Sales inspired not only Catholic followers but also many notable saints. Find the most famous quotes on peace and patience from St Francis, author of many books.

11. "Whoever removes slander from the world would remove a great part of its sins and injustice as well."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

12. "Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage. All profitable correction comes from a calm and peaceful mind."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

13. "A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship, as … the callosity formed round a broken bone makes it stronger than before."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

14. "Peace is better than fortune."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

15. "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.

16.  "If, when stung by slander or ill-nature, we wax proud and swell with anger, it is a proof that our gentleness and humility are unreal, and mere artificial show."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

17. "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."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

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

-Saint Francis de Sales.

19. "Let us walk on the way with our brothers and sisters gently, peacefully and amiably."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

20. "It is important to resist evil and address the faults of those placed in our care, and this must be done constantly and courageously, but gently and peacefully."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

21.  "The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

22. "While we are busy and anxious to find out what is the better, we unprofitably let slip the time for doing many good things."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

23. "Let the enemy rage at the gate; let him knock, pound, scream, howl; let him do his worst. We know for certain that he cannot enter our soul except by the door of our consent."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

St Francis de Sales was honored as a saint in the Catholic Church for his kindness and approach towards divisions among the religions in his time. Here are some of the great Francis de Sales quotes on life and courage.

24. "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."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

25. "Let us think only of spending the present day well. Then when tomorrow shall have come, it will be called today, and then we will think about it."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

26. "Direct your thoughts to being very good at that and to bearing the crosses, little or great, that you will find there."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

27. "We are most tempted to see in others what we find most disconcerting about our own actions or motivations. As we grow in our ability to accept and love ourselves, we are more likely to treat others in the same manner."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

28. "Be certain of this: it is an error, even heresy, to want to banish the devout life from the company of soldiers, the shops of artisans, the courts of princes and the homes of married people."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

29. "You must not only have a kind word for your neighbors and for strangers, but also for the people with whom you live and your closest friends."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

30. "What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

31. "Heaven and earth are not distant enough to separate the hearts which our Lord has joined."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

32. "We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not to have his work despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, and every person is his work."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

33. "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."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

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

-Saint Francis de Sales.

35. "Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

36. "Humility consists in not esteeming ourselves above other men, and in not seeking to be esteemed above them."

-Saint Francis de Sales.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for St Francis de Sales Quotes then why not take a look at [St John of the Cross quotes], or St Vincent De Paul quotes.

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