Collection: Strive To See God

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."

—Saint Francis de Sales

“There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love -- every man works his oar voluntarily!"

—Saint Francis de Sales

“Marital intercourse is certainly holy, lawful and praiseworthy in itself and profitable to society, yet in certain circumstances it can prove dangerous, as when through excess the soul is made sick with venial sin, or through the violation and perversion of its primary end, killed by mortal sin; such perversion, detestable in proportion to its departure from the true order, being always mortal sin, for it is never lawful to exclude the primary end of marriage which is the procreation of children."

—Saint Francis de Sales

“Have patience to walk with short steps until you have wings to fly."

—Saint Francis de Sales

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."

—Saint Francis de Sales

Born: 1567 at Chateau of Thorens, Savoy

Died: December 28, 1622 at Lyons; buried at Annecy

Beatified: January 8, 1662 by Pope Alexander VII

Canonized: April 19, 1665 by Pope Alexander VII