Relying on the Captain

'If you throw yourself wholeheartedly 

into the practice of holy abandonment, 

without noticing it you will make much progress,

just as do the passengers on board a ship 

sailing on the high seas under favorable winds, 

relying completely on the guidance of the captain.'

St. Francis de Sales

Painting:  James Tissot

May the Favorable Wind..

"You are going to take the high seas of the world.... 

Have Jesus always for your Patron, His Cross for a mast 

on which you must spread your resolutions as a sail.

Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him, 

and you shall sail prosperously.  May the favorable wind

 of celestial inspirations ever fill

your vessel's sails fuller and fuller

and make you happily arrive

at the port of a holy eternity." 

                                                                             (St. Francis de Sales)