Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

Practice of Virtue

In the literal sense of the word, virtue is power. It is the ability or means used to accomplish something good. It is especially the ability to do accomplish the good joyfully, even in the face of obstacles to that good.

Virtues are most effective when they meet the needs of a particular relationship, task, event or circumstance. Problems arise when we cling to a "favorite" virtue at a time when a different one is required.

Nearly half of St. Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life is dedicated to virtues. May his advice better enable you to practice them.

"Charity never enters a heart without
bringing with it all the other virtues, empowering
them and marshalling them as needed, just
as a captain does his soldiers."
(In III 1)

"The just person is like a tree planted
near running water, which bears fruit
in its season. So too when charity
waters one's soul, it produces virtuous
works there, but each in its season."
(In III 1)

"Frequently the great fault of those
undertaking the practice of a particular virtue
is to insist stubbornly upon its practice in
all circumstances."
(In III 1)

"Concerning those virtues pertaining to our duties
in life, preference must be given to those which
are most effective, not those which
may be the most showy."
(In III 1)

"Some virtues are so universally useful that we ought
not only to practice them for their own sake but
particularly for their usefulness in the practice of
all the others. For instance, we seldom have the opportunity
to practice fortitude, great generosity or
greatness of soul. In the other hand,
some virtues such as gentleness, temperance,
honesty and humility are the sort
which should characterize
all of our actions."
(In III 1)

"Comets appear to be larger than stars and more
fanfare is generally made of them.
Yet, they are not comparable to stars either in size
or in quality and only seem more spectacular
because they are closer. So, too, most people
generally esteem the virtues which are,
so to speak, closer, more tangible and more material.
(In III 1)

"Let us add this. When we become aware of the
assault of some particular vice, let us practice
as much as possible its contrary virtue
and engage all the other
virtues in this effort."
(In III 1)