Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

Devotion

Francis de Sales believed that devotion is something to which every Christian is called. Simply put, devotion is that attitude that enables us to practice the commands and Councils of God frequently, carefully and promptly. Devotion is that spirit that inspires us to love God, ourselves and one another in a lively, enthusiastic and energetic manner.

Remember: "a sad saint is a sorry saint."

"Necessary employments, according to each one's
vocation, do not diminish devotion, but increase it"
(T XII 5)

"Genuine devotion is consistent with every state
of life. Like liquid poured into a container,
it adapts itself to any shape.
(S XXI 3)

"All of us depict devotion according to our own
preferences and fancies. The one who fasts,
for instance, will believe
he is devout simply because he fasts, even if his heart is full
of hatred. For sobriety's sake, he will not moisten his tongue
with wine or even with water,
yet he will not hesitate to plunge it
into his neighbor's blood through slander and calumny.
Another esteems herself devout because
she multiplies prayers, and yet afterwards
speaks arrogantly to her employees or to her neighbor.
Another person will gladly take alms from his wallet to give
to the poor, but refuses to draw
kindness from his heart to pardon
his enemies. Still another person will pardon easily
but refuses to pay his creditors unless
compelled to do so by law.
All these persons may pass for being "devout" but
they are nevertheless not so."
(In I 1)

"Devotion is a certain intensity of charity
which not only makes us prompt,
active and diligent in observing God's Commandments,
but moves us beyond that to perform as
many good deeds as possible, even
those which are only counseled or inspired."
(In I 1)

"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."
(In I 1)

"It must be obvious that devotion ought to be practiced
differently by the gentleman, the artist, the employee,
the prince, the widow, the celibate, the spouse."
(In I 2)

"Devotion spoils nothing when it is true.
Quite the contrary, it perfects
Everything."
(In I 2)

"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."
(In I 2)

"No matter where we are
we must aspire to a
perfect life."
(In I 2)