As we move forward from our parish celebration of Saint Francis de Sales, it is probably a good thing that we not leave it behind, but rather see what we might take forward with us for the journey.

Much of Francis’ pastoral focus was on trying to bring the devout life into the lives of everyone. In his day, devotion was seen as the talent for the clergy and religious.  To that end, he not only tried to adapt religious practices for the lives of everyone, but also immersed himself in the one on one ministry of directing everyone on the way of holiness.

The following observation made by Jacques Maritain in his foreword to C.F. Kelley’s book Spirit of Love:

“No one better than he (St. Francis de Sales) has succeeded in showing the marvelous adaptability of the progress of love penetrating every state of life. I do not mean in spite of the temporal commitments of the Christian in the world: I mean because of these very obligations themselves.”

Not only are the details of life not an obstacle to the practice of devotion; in fact, they are the very means of growing in devotion!

Let us see where, in our own lives, the presence of God may be shining brightly – if only we let ourselves see!