223 Quotes by Saint Francis De Sales

  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    The 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.

  • Tags
  • Share

  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    All the science of the Saints is included in these two things: To do, and to suffer. And whoever had done these two things best, has made himself most saintly.

  • Tags
  • Share

  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they themselves are more afraid than anyone, for whereas other men fear only them, they fear everyone.

  • Tags
  • Share


  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    Consider the pains which martyrs have endured, and think how even now many people are bearing afflictions beyond all measure greater than yours, and say, "Of a truth my trouble is comfort, my torments are but roses as compared to those whose life is a continual death, without solace, or aid or consolation, borne down with a weight of grief tenfold greater than mine."

  • Tags
  • Share

  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    Do not desire crosses, unless you have borne well those laid on you; it is an abuse to long after martyrdom while unable to bear an insult patiently.

  • Tags
  • Share



  • Author Saint Francis De Sales
  • Quote

    In no other action can our Savior be considered more tender or more loving than in this, in which He, as it were, annihilates Himself and reduces Himself to food, that He may penetrate our souls and unite Himself to the hearts of His faithful.

  • Tags
  • Share