Quotes & Themes – Sadness
Sadness
Lift up your heart quite tranquilly when it falls, humbling yourself before God by acknowledging your misery, without being in the least astonished at your fall. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 9)
Live joyously amongst your holy occupations! (Letters to Persons in Religion, II 29)
Weep a little now, but moderate your tears and bless God. (Letters to Persons in the World, IV 8)
How happy are they whom God turns as He likes, and leads according to His good pleasure, whether by tribulation or consolation. (Letters to Persons in Religion, IV 24)
Nothing but sin should sadden us, and to this sorrow for sin it is necessary that holy joy should be attached. (Letters to Persons in Religion, IV 29)
Well! my poor heart, here we are, fallen into the ditch which we had ade so firm a resolution to avoid; ah! let us rise and leave it forever. Courage! henceforth let us be more on our guard, God will help us, we shall do well enough! (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 9)
The putting down of self must be practiced gently, tranquilly, constantly, and not only sweetly, but gaily and joyously. (Letters to Persons in Religion, IV 12)
Even when we are sorry for sin, holy joy should immediately be called to our rescue. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, II 14)
Nothing makes the milk dry up like sadness. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III 34)
We may be excused for not always being bright, but we are not excused for not being always gracious, yielding and considerate. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 11, Chapter 21)
This equableness of humor, this joy and sweetness of heart, is rarer than perfect chastity; but it is also the more desirable for that. (Letters to Persons in Religion, II 25)
On no account give way to sadness, the enemy of devotion. (Letters to Persons in Religion, IV 29)
No inequality of events must ever carry away our hearts and minds into inequalities of temper. (Spiritual Conferences, 3)
We must never suffer our confusion to be attended with sadness and disquietude. (Spiritual Conferences, 2)
Walk joyously as far as you can, and if you do not walk joyously, at least walk courageously and faithfully. (Letters to Persons in Religion, I 3)
Our imperfections ought not to displease us, but at the same time they ought not to astonish or discourage us. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, XII 5)
Let us do what we can, and then God will be satisfied. (C XX)
Above all, do not be discouraged! (Letters to Persons in Religion, II 20)
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.