Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales - January

[Hildegard of Bingen]

Every Day with Saint Francis de Sales

Teachings and Examples from the Life of the Saint by Salesiana Publishers

 

January 21st  (page 21)

 
     Take note:  the great Agent of mercy converts our miseries into graces, turning the poison of our sins into a healing antidote for our souls.  Tell me, then, what grace will do to heal our afflictions, soften our crosses and persecutions that we have to suffer. Therefore, when some misfortune strikes, of whatever nature it may be, be assured hat, if we love the Lord with all our hearts, all will be converted into good; and later, though you cannot understand where this good comes from, be sure that it will most certainly happen.
 

(Letters 1420; O. XVIII, pp. 209-210)

 

 
 
     At the beginning of 1592, we find our saint proceeding on a journey of devotion and culture that finally ended in his courses at the Athenaeum of Padua.  As Francis passed through the principal cities and sanctuaries of Italy, God worked miracles in preserving the life of our future apostle.  This trip left in his soul the most pleasant impression and dearest memories.
 

(A.S. I, p. 529)

 
 
 

The secret of prayer is to follow the divine attractions.

 

     The conduct of business is all the more perfect the closer it resembles the care God has for us.  God works most actively, thinking and providing for all, but without agitation and without losing gentleness and calmness.