January 24, the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the Gentlemen Saint

Take a few minutes today and reflect on these Virtues, recommended to us by the Gentleman Saint:

Patience

Humility

Obedience

Chastity

Poverty of Spirit

Modesty

Faithfulness to Duty

“There are some virtues of universal application, which should infuse their spirit into everything.  We rarely have the opportunity for the practice of courage, magnanimity, and great sacrifices; but every action of our daily lives should be influenced by gentleness, moderation, humility, and purity.”

[The Wisdom of Saint Francis De Sales, Translated by Mario DiTata, p.7]

Below are some thoughts on Salesian Spirituality for your consideration.

“It is not by the multiplicity of things we do that we acquire perfection, but by the perfection and purity of intention with which we do them.”

“With the single exception of sin, anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul.”

I believe that the Seven Salesian Virtues [also, known as the Little Virtues] are the foundation of making the ordinary, extraordinary.  They are the basis of the sainthood that is attainable for us:

Endure Patiently

See the Bright Side

Show Good Humor

Stay Cheerfully Excusing

Put on a Good Face,

Be Appreciative

Speak Gently and Show Courtesy

Fr. Louis Fiorelli, O.S.F.S. writes, “In Salesian spirituality … union with the will of God must always be situated in the deeper context of a loving, personal relationship with the Beloved that is expressed in and deepened through daily prayer ….” [Fr. Lewis Fiorelli, osfs in The Spiritual Directory Today]

After praying select one or two virtues, and the Little Virtues, then weave them into your daily.

May God Be Praised!