Sisters of the Visitation - Dubuque, Iowa 
One single work done with a tranquil spirit is worth
far more than several done with overeagerness.
St.Francis de Sales
Spiritual Conferences
Let us do all the good we can, faithfully, peacefully,
and quietly and with a humility that is gentle and tranquil.
St. Francis de Sales
Spiritual Conferences
St. Francis de Sales and St.
Jane de Chantal
Francis, Bishop of Geneva,
was noted for his ability to express himself in writing. As a Bishop he spent
most of his time preaching to his people.
On one occasion he gave the Lenten sermons at Dijon. The people loved his sermons because they
were always understandable and inspirational.
Baroness de Chantal was one such person.
Her husband had recently been killed in a hunting accident and she was
left to manage a family and a large estate. She met Francis de Sales at the
residence of her brother, the Archbishop of Dijon and he became her spiritual
director. On the day after Pentecost in
1604, he made known to her that she would be a member of the new congregation
of religious women that he wished to found called the Sisters of the
Visitation. He desired this congregation
to combine the active with the
contemplative life. At
first the idea
seemed impossible for her for she had a family. It wasn’t until June 6,
1610 that the Visitation Order was founded in Annecy by St. Francis de
Sales and St.
Jane de Chantal.
Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; the same everlasting
Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day.
Either He will shield you from the suffering, or He will give you unfailing
strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and
imaginations.
St. Francis de
Sales