The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not "What a lovely sermon!" but "I will do something."
Saint Francis de SalesIt is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again.
Saint Francis de SalesIt is not those who commit the least faults who are the most holy, but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity, the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to overcome themselves, and are not immediately apprehensive about tripping.
Saint Francis de SalesThe elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.
Saint Francis de Sales