As we continue our Series on St Francis de Sales’ perspectives on religious life, we hope his thoughts on the postulancy help new members in any congregation:
“You tell me, my Mother, that our sisters the Postulants are full of good-will, but that they are wanting in strength to do what they wish to do,and that they feel their passions so strong that they fear even to begin the journey.
Courage,my dear daughters ! I have often told you that Religion is a school in which we learn our lessons.The master does not always require that the scholars should know these lessons without a mistake ; it is enough if they have given their attention and done their utmost to learn them. Let us do what we can, and then God will be satisfied, and our Superiors also.
Do you not constantly see people who are learning to fence ? They often fall ;and the same with those who are learning to ride ;but they are not considered beaten, for it is quite a different thing to be sometimes worsted and to be absolutely conquered. Your passions at times get the upper hand, and therefore you say : ” I am not fit for Religion, because I have passions.” No,my dear daughters, it is not so at all. Religion does not congratulate herself very highly on moulding a character gentle and tranquil in itself, and,so to speak, already formed. But she does triumph greatly when she brings back to virtue and sub-mission souls strong in their own inclinations; for such souls, if they be faithful, will surpass the others, winning at the point of the sword what those others possess without taking any trouble about it.”
Spiritual Conferences Chapter 2o