Principles and Practices - February 11

The Soul Needs Direction

When choosing a director, be careful to select one who has the necessary qualifica­tions. He should be not only virtuous, but prudent, charitable, and learned. St. Francis de Sales gives the following opinion on the subject:

'"Go," said Tobias to his son, when about to send him into a strange country, "go seek some wise man to conduct you." I say the same to you, Philothea. If you sincerely desire to enter upon the way of devotion, seek a good guide to direct you therein. This advice is of the utmost importance and neces­sity. Whatever one may do, says the devout Avila, he can never be certain of fulfilling God's will unless he practise that humble obedience which the saints so strongly recommended and to which they so faithfully adhere. And the Scriptures tell us: "A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found him hath found a treasure:...a faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord shall find one."'

-Quadrupani.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930