Friday, January 24, 2014

A Patron Saint of Writers

Painting taken from the Salesian Center
Today is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers. He spent his short life writing books and numerous pamphlets emphasizing that we are all called to holiness, to become saints. Below are some of his favorite quotes that help me to write:

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

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

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.

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
 
St. Francis, pray for us.

5 comments:

Faith E. Hough said...

Wow...I needed to hear that. What wise words! I am constantly striving to be more peaceful, less frenzied. It's amazing what hard work it is just to be calm sometimes.
Thanks for sharing St. Francis' wisdom!

Mirka Breen said...

Amen.

Bish Denham said...

It's all about slowing down, taking time because only then can we really notice things and truly appreciate them.

Becky Shillington said...

Vijaya, What a wonderful post! I'm Presbyterian and have never heard about the "Patron Saint of Writers" until now! I especially love the quotes you included from him. Thanks so very much for sharing this!

Vijaya said...

Faith, I found that life with kids was rarely peaceful once they learned to fight. Sigh.

Bish, I agree, slowing down and paying attention and appreciating the small things and blessings is so important.

Becky, the lives of the saints are great inspirations. They struggle just like us and show us a path to holiness. Catholics have a patron saint for just about everything :) I often ask St. Teresa de Avila, Blessed John Paul II, St. Campion, and lately St. Alphonsus to help me with my writing. If you click on the name ... the website allows you to search for saints by name/type. Happy saint-hunting :)