Feast of St. Francis de Sales Is Approaching!

As we prepare for the feast of St. Francis de Sales on Janury 24, our thoughts turn to the simple-down-to-earth spirituality which he has left us. His is a universal spirituality that invites all to walk the path of holiness. Eizabeth Stopp has described Salesian spirituality as "inspired common sense."

One of Francis' most practical calls to holiness is what he refers to as the "ecstasy of life." Simply stated, this ecstasy helps us to charge each action of our days into an act of love of God. Whether we are washing dishes, pushing a vacuum cleaner, raking leaves, writing a masterpiece, teaching a class, tending a sick child or creating a magnificent work of art, when done in union with our loving God, we find ourselves living on a wholly new dimension of life.

This ecstasy of life helps us to curb our natural inclinations so we act with an interior gentleness, simplicity and humility. We live in the presence of God and this connection enables us to rise above ourselves and to "Live Jesus." So the patience we show is not our own, but the patience of the heart of Jesus filling our hearts.

Let the Visitation motto "Live + Jesus" be our mantra during this week before the feast of our good saint as we do all things with and for God.