Quotes & Themes – Confession
Confession
The Holy Ghost will have no putting off, but desires great promptitude in obeying His inspirations. (Spiritual Conferences, 3)
It is sad to see a precious liquor lose its worth through the presence of a little dirt, and an exquisite wine by the admixture of water. (Letters to Persons in Religion, I, 1)
Why should we die a spiritual death, since we have so sovereign a remedy at hand? (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 19)
As we consider our sins in detail, let us consider God’s graces in detail. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 5)
Do not content yourself with confessing your venial sins merely as to the fact, but accuse yourself also of the motive which induced you to commit them. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 19)
The loving heart loves God’s commandments; and the harder they are the more sweet and agreeable it finds them. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 8, Chapter 5)
Everyone argues in favor of the virtue which he practices easily, and exaggerates the difficulties of the virtues which are contrary to it. (Letters to Persons in Religion, II, 25)
It is only weak heads that are made to ache with the scent of roses. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, VIII, 3)
The sting of honeybees is more painful than that of other insects. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)
If sin abounds in malice to ruin us, grace superabounds to restore us. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 11, Chapter 12)
Christians are so very wrong to be as little Christian as they are. (Letters to Persons in the Word, II, 36)
We must be very sorry for faults with a repentance which is strong, constant, tranquil, but not troubled, unquiet or fainthearted. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 9, Chapter 7)
What better penance can a heart do which commits faults than to submit to a continual abnegation of self-will? (Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 8)
Christ was more concerned with St. Peter’s repentance and remorse than with his sin. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, VII, 8)
We correct ourselves better by a tranquil and steadfast repentance than by that which is harsh, eager and passionate. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 9)
One of the most excellent intentions that we can possibly have in all our actions, is to do them because our Lord did them. (Spiritual Conferences, 18)
North American Salesian Network
The North American Salesian Network (NASN) is an organization of both lay and religious groups that live the Salesian teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. NASN facilitates the sharing of Salesian resources, educational services, vocational efforts, and a variety of resources, bringing this optimistic, joy-filled spirituality to people throughout the world.