Quotes & Themes – Self-Denial
Self-Denial
May we be annihilated in ourselves to live wholly to God! (Letters to Persons in Religion, II 1)
We do not become perfect by the multiplication of exercises, penances and austerities, but rather by the purity of love with which we do them. (Spiritual Conferences, 13)
The crosses that we shape for ourselves are always lighter than the ones laid upon us. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, X 11)
We do not love crosses unless they are in gold, with pearls and enamel. (Letters to Persons in the World, I 10)
Devout souls find much bitterness in their exercises of mortification; but in performing them they convert them into the most delicious sweetness. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part I, Chapter 2)
How agreeable to God should we be, if we knew how to use properly the subjects of mortification which our vocation affords. (Letters to Persons in the World, II 18)
To cure the itch there is not so much need to wash and bathe ourselves as to purify the blood. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 23)
It is not right all at once to show strong signs of this death to our natural passion. (Letters to Persons in Religion, II 3 )
We have not to carry the cross of others, but our own. (Letters to Persons in the World, II 4)
Behold a quantity of crosses and mortifications which you have neither chosen nor wished; receive them, love them! (Letters to Persons in the World, V 2)
It is a thousand times better to die with our Lord than to live without Him. (Letters to Persons in the World, VI 21)
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.