January 24, 2024
“Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour.”
— Saint Francis de Sales
That’s valuable advice from one of the Church’s greatest saints. Always remember the importance of daily prayer on your healing journey. St. Francis de Sales, known for his prodigious spiritual writing, offered many insights to benefit those who are grieving.
For example: “Have patience with all things – but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.”
And “Do not look forward to the occurrences of this life with fear, but accept them with perfect confidence that, as they happen, God will protect and deliver you; He has guarded you until the present; hold fast by the hand of His Providence, and He will assist you on all occasions: and where you cannot walk, He will carry you. What should you fear, belonging to God, who has so emphatically assured us, that all things work together for good to those who love Him?”
St. Francis de Sales was known for making devotional writing accessible to the ordinary person and his “Introduction to the Devout Life,” which is still popular to this day, was written for people in all walks of life who want to grow in holiness. It contains practical suggestions about prayer, friendship, virtue and the Blessed Sacrament.
He is patron saint of journalists, adult education and the deaf, and his feast is celebrated on January 24.
Pray to St. Francis de Sales
O Blessed Francis, who in your life excelled in virtue, especially in your love of God and your neighbor, please take me under your protection and ask God to guide me along my spiritual journey toward healing.
***
Sign Up for Healing Journey Messages
Receive a daily message to your email address.