A dance is the devil's procession, and he that entereth into a dance, entereth into his possession

A dance is the devil's procession, and he that entereth into a dance, entereth into his possession

Saint Francis de Sales was a devout Catholic bishop and theologian known for his gentle and compassionate approach to spirituality. He believed in the power of love and kindness to bring people closer to God, and he often spoke out against the temptations of the devil. One of his most famous quotes is, “A dance is the devil's procession, and he that entereth into a dance, entereth into his possession.”

In the context of Saint Francis de Sales’ teachings, this quote can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of indulging in worldly pleasures and distractions. The act of dancing, while not inherently sinful, can become a temptation when it leads one away from God and into the clutches of the devil. Saint Francis de Sales believed that the devil could use seemingly innocent activities like dancing to lure people away from their faith and lead them down a path of sin and destruction.

For Saint Francis de Sales, the key to resisting the devil’s temptations was to focus on God and live a life of virtue and holiness. He believed that by cultivating a strong relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and acts of charity, one could protect themselves from the snares of the devil and remain steadfast in their faith.