Salesian Literature

Salesian Views on

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Mortification

 

The practice of exterior mortification

Introduction to the Devout Life, 3:23. Those who deal with rural agricultural matters assure us that, if some word is written on an almond seed that is quite entire, and put back in its shell carefully, and properly folded and closed, and thus planted, then every fruit which the tree produces will have the same word written and engraved on it.

 

The right use of mortification

Letters to a Wife and Mother. It is essential to cultivate peace of soul before anything else, not because of the contentment it affords but because it results from the love of God and the submission to him of our wills.  Opportunities of practising it present themselves every day.

 

Eagerness to accept mortifications

Spiritual Conferences, Vol. 1, 2. Love humility and mortification with such a special love, that they could hardly become sad over a slight suspicion, which probably has no basis, that they are not loved enough, at least not as much as their self love would desire.

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Do not desire mortifications

Letters to a woman striving too hard for perfection. Without a doubt, we must resolve again and again to unite ourselves to God in order that we may keep such resolutions.  But in your fervours, I do not want you to desire temptations or occasions for mortifications.  Since, by the grace of God they will not be lacking to you, there is no need to occupy your heart in desiring them.

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Practise the mortifications that are given to you

Letters to a woman on serving God with gentleness and strength. Practise the mortifications that most often present themselves to you; for this is the thing we must do first; after that we will do others.  Often kiss in spirit the crosses that Our Lord has Himself placed on your shoulders.  Do not look whether they are of a precious or fragrant wood; they are truer crosses when they are of a wood that is vile, abject, and even stinking.

 

Letter to a Wife and Mother, 6: It is essential to cultivate peace of soul before anything else, not because of the contentment it affords but because it results from the love of God and the submission to him of our wills.  Opportunities of practising it present themselves every day.

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