Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales The most popular Catholic self-help book of all time is written for laymen. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER V. Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. How to resist Minor Temptations. * The story of St. Catherine of Siena being assaulted with temptations and Jesus revealed that He was within her heart filling it with displeasure and resistance to refuse all consent to the sin. Great fires flame all the more when the wind blows, but a little fire will be altogether extinguished unless it be sheltered (221). Book 4 considers how to better resist or avoid temptation, while Book 5 is about increasing virtue and staying committed to a devout life. CHAPTER XXII. CHAPTER VI. Of course, this book is not concerned with such politics and historical revisionismwhich have come after its completion. St. John said to him: Why do you not carry your bow always bent? Introduction to the Devout Life Frivolous Attachments. Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly "[7], According to Mark Plaushin O.S.F.S., Francis De Sales' approach is "Christian humanism", an optimism about the human potential for cooperation with God toward redemption. Written as a letter to St. Francis lay cousin, this classic yet relevant text features advice on the questions that members of the Catholic laity often ask themselves, such as: Written by Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales to offer sound preaching and clear instruction for Catholics and translated by Matthew K. Minerd to renew Catholics understanding and appreciation of this classic Catholic work,Introduction to the Devout Life promises that it is possible to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.. The most profitable humiliations are those that God sends us and those that are most opposed to our natural inclinations. Have a quiet, calm, and persevering repentance. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. Pray 12-minutes a day to help God save America. This theology for the laity I find elements of most recently in the work of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of the controversial but infinitely Catholic Opus Dei. Mass The most holy, sacred and royal sacrifice is the Sun of all spiritual exercises, the center of the Christian religion, the heart of devotion, the soul of piety; an ineffable mystery which embraces the untold depths of divine charity, and in which God, giving Himself to us, bestows upon us freely all His favours and graces (92). When to use such Amusements rightly. CHAPTER XXII. web pages Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. This is a Lenten reading of the spiritual classic, Introduction to the Devout Life, authored by Saint Francis de Sales, and read by Father Rob Ketcham. Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). The great happiness of man, Philothea, is thus to possess his soul; and the more perfect our patience, the more perfectly do we possess our souls (124). The First Purification, namely, from Mortal Sin. Without it repose is but idleness, labour but trouble; therefore, I beseech you, cleave steadily to it, and never forsake it (91). To you however, my child, I would teach a deeper humility, for that of which I have been speaking is almost more truly to be called worldly wisdom than humility. Saint Francis de Sales. CHAPTER XIX. Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them. Make anopen profession of your desire to be devout. Its earnest single focus is the salvation of souls and it is simplyyet not simplea guide to devoutness that goes beyond the monotony of spiritual superficiality. If your virtue is deeply rooted you can enter into unimportant activities out of charitys sake but be careful if you are only starting out on this path. This is one of the few books that "stays on my nightstand." CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS AND EXERCISES FOR CONDUCTING THE SOUL FROM HER FIRST DESIRE TILL SHE BE BROUGHT TO A FULL RESOLUTION TO EMBRACE A DEVOUT LIFE. CHAPTER V. The First Step must be Purifying the Soul. Join the movement! A short Method of Meditation. The devout life renders all such actions easy, pleasant, and grateful (6). It is a great happiness for a Christian to be actually rich but poor in spirit, for thus he can use wealth and its advantages in this world and yet have the merit of poverty as regards the next (164). Un buen devocional catlico donde recolectar consejos y pensamientos profundos sobre diversos temas: sufrimiento, enfermedades, ansiedad, depresin, oracin, etc. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. Use utmost care and diligence in resisting these. I place this book in the same league as that classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas of Kempis. The Nature and Excellency of Devotion 3 III. The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions True devotion hinders no one, but rather it perfects everything. PART I. CHAPTER I. We must be gentle towards ourselves look upon your faults with a calm, collected, and firm displeasure. CHAPTER XIII. Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. 1st Part: Instructions and exercises for conducting the soul from her first desire for a devout life till she is brought to a full resolution of embracing it. CHAPTER XXVII. Persevere We must be patient and persevere in the path of Christian perfection. It's full of practical advice on prayer, virtues, vices, friendships, and so much more. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). Introduction to the Devout Life (Digital), A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament (Digital), Ignatius Bible (RSV), 2nd Edition - Leather, Ignatius Bible (RSV), 2nd Edition (Digital), The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived (Digital), Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy, Making spiritual progress through daily, monthly, and yearly exercises. Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. For example, boldly acknowledge that you would rather die than commit amortal sin. An Introduction to the Devout Life, his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life. Francis saw the pursuit of holiness as something possible to each and every Christian, regardless of vocation, temperament or age. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. St. John the Evangelist, as Cassian relates, amusing himself one day with a partridge on his hand, was asked by a huntsman: How such a man as he could spend his time in so unprofitable a manner? So humility enfolds and conceals all our virtues and human perfections, producing them only at the call of charity, which is not an earthly but a heavenly virtue, not a moral but a divine perfection, and the very sun of all the other virtues, over which she should always preside; and therefore such humility as is opposed to charity is undoubtedly spurious (134). Examination as to the Affectations of the Soul. The Necessity of Prayer Mental prayer the prayer of the heart based on the life and passion of our Lord is what St. Francis recommends the most. CHAPTER XXIII. Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? Humility Humility is found through reflecting on both (1) Gods mercies and favors towards us and (2) our ingratitude, imperfection, and sins against Him. So far the best translation I saw was. Concerning Dryness in Meditation. Remedies for Great Occasions. Written for Christians in every walk of life and for every age, St. Francis De Sales' classic work transcends secular lines and provides a unique handbook of spiritual reflection for people in every avenue of life. CHAPTER VII. Part III: The Practice of Virtue (patience, meekness, humility, Part IV: Some Ordinary Temptations and how to overcome them, Part V: Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion, This page was last edited on 2 April 2023, at 16:04. Charity alone can place us in perfection, but obedience, chastity, and poverty, are the three principal means by which to attain to it. How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? CHAPTER X. Subtotal (Discounts are applied at checkout), A Catholic Guide to Narnia: Questions and Activities for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Are You Saved? It's aimed at laypeople, to show how devout life is possible no matter what one does in life, that devout life is not just for the clergy or monastic life. CHAPTER I. This was written specifically for the laity by St. Francis de Sales. CHAPTER XXXVI. The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey. In short, devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work briskly and lovingly; and just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. Amen. The devout life "renders all such actions easy, pleasant, and grateful" (6). Poverty The poor in spirit have not riches in their hearts nor their hearts in riches. CHAPTER XXVI. Humility consists in really knowing and freely acknowledging our abasement. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. CHAPTER XIV. Of the other Public Offices of the Church. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. "[8], sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.33 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.44 (. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). Reading this volume was a bit of a different process. Introduction to the Devout Life (French: Introduction la vie dvote) is a book written by Saint Francis de Sales, the first edition being published in 1609. Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. During his lifetime, St. Francis de Sales gave spiritual direction to many individuals. Of Conversation; and, first, how to Speak of God. St. Francis de Sales' perennial classic of spiritual direction. Her manner of meditating was as follows: Whilst she was dressing meat for her father she imagined that she was preparing it for our Saviour, like another St. Martha, and that her mother held the place of Our Blessed Lady, and her brothers that of the apostles: exciting herself in this manner to serve the whole court of heaven in spirit, whilst she employed herself with great delight in these low services, because she knew such was the will of God. Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Awareness that God dwells in your heart and spirit. It is the first in a new series from Ascension press called Christian Classics, and there is a podcast version by Gregory Pine and Jacob Bertrand Janczyk. Download the free reading plan here. "[5] "It is an error, or rather a heresy, to wish to banish the devout life from the regiment of soldiers, the mechanic's shop, the court of princes, or the home of married people. How to combine due care for a Good Reputation with Humility. Advice to married persons there is no union so precious and so fruitful between husband and wife as that of holy devotion, in which they should mutually lead each and sustain each other it is truly a blessed state in which the faithful husband and wife sanctify one another in the sincere fear of the Lord (235). How to resist temptations Immediately fly to God and seek His mercy and His help. Gentleness towards others and Remedies against Anger. CHAPTER XV. Description of True Devotion 1 II. PART V. CONTAINING COUNSELS AND PRACTICES FOR RENEWING AND CONFIRMING THE SOUL IN DEVOTION. The description of this edition of this book is: ENGLISH: An excellent devotional book, not in the least dated because it was written over four centuries ago. COUNSELS AND PRACTICES SUITABLE FOR THE SOUL'S GUIDANCE FROM THE FIRST ASPIRATION AFTER A DEVOUT LIFE TO THE POINT WHEN IT ATTAINS A CONFIRMED RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW THE SAME. Lewis and the Case against Scientism, Summary of Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila, Summary of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, Summary of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross, Summary of Vatican II's Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests "Presbyterorum Ordinis". CHAPTER II. (1) Begin all prayer, whether mental or vocal, by placing yourself in the presence of God. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. This should be fitting in regards to the state of life to which God has called you. Introduction to the Devout Life With Linked Table of Contents. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy schedule CHAPTER VII. Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life. To be purified from all affections of sin, we must have a clear and hearty consciousness of the exceeding evil of sin, by which means we attain deep and earnest contrition (20). Spiritual Retreat During the Day As often as you can through your day, recall your mind to the presence of God by some one of the 4 methods. (3) Go to your confessor. CHAPTER IX. Battling wisely against temptation Search the history of over 804 billion CHAPTER III. CHAPTER XVI. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER IV. The first book of the Catholic Classics series,Introduction to the Devout Life is anupdated translation of St. Francis de Sales original text that makes this key work of Catholic Tradition approachable to modern readers. Even if you resisted, have you taken pleasure in the temptation? Without this chief fruit of meditation, it becomes not only useless but positively hurtful, for our mind is apt to rest satisfied with the consideration instead of the practice of virtues, till we persuade ourselves that wearewhat we haveresolved to be this is all very well if our resolutions are active and solid, but if not, it is a vain and dangerous error therefore we should always endeavour to put them in practice, and seek every occasion for so doing. Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power (92). I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. Introduction to the Devout Life enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both Protestant and Catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Realize to whom you made this pledge and in front of whom. But it is the great perfection of heavenly love to make those who love God suffer and fight for his love, not knowing whether they possess the love for which and by which they fight (258). by Francis de Sales. Faithfully render'd into English. Almost all those who have written concerning the devout life have had chiefly in view persons who have altogether quitted the world; or at any rate they have taught a manner of devotion which would lead to such total . What I particularly enjoy is his insistence on different spiritual acts for people in different states of life. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly. OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE. CHAPTER XV. Goes to show there's really nothing new under the sun. The general rules concerning the passions and emotions of our souls is that we should know them by their fruits; our hearts as trees, our affections and passions are the branches, and their actions and deeds the fruit (281). These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. Topics catholic Collection opensource. A seminal work of faith. Life of St. Francis de Sales Introduction was seen immediately as a classic in trying to describe a spirituality that is compatible with any walk of life. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877, St. Francis is still helping to form saints through his many writings, of which Introduction to the Devout Life is the most famous. Assuredly nothing can so humble us before the compassion of God as the abundance of His mercies; nothing so humble us before His justice as the abundance of our misdeeds. But there is a great difference. St. Francis recommends a general confession as the most profitable beginning to start the devout life (16). Simply brilliant. CHAPTER XXXV. Consolation must encourage us to humility and good works. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. CHAPTER XIII. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. something w lots depth and wisdom that would challenge and shake me up a bit. CHAPTER XIV. Of the Difference between True and False Friendship. 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