During his lifetime, St. Francis de Sales gave spiritual direction to many individuals. Consolation must encourage us to humility and good works. We must not tolerate any sins in our friends. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. 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. Things that I did not recall reading before were powerful this time around. Norris, Kathleen. Saint Frances de Sales, great saint that he is and patron saint of writers, leads you through a purification of the soul, the purging of sin in ones life and, indeed, in the cleansing of ones soul. He takes the reader through the finer points of meditation, establishing a prayer life, integrating with church life, connecting with saints, the use of frequent confession, mass, and partaking of the Eucharist. We must be gentle towards ourselves look upon your faults with a calm, collected, and firm displeasure. 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). Try to meet the occupations which come upon you quietly, and perform them with regularity, one after the other; for if you endeavor to do them all at once, or in confusion, your spirit will be so overcharged and depressed that it will probably sink under the burden without accomplishing anything (152). ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. If you have glutted yourself with worldly pleasures, it is no wonder that you should find an unsavoury taste in spiritual delights (285). I listened to the podcast in the morning and then read the associated sections in the afternoon. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. While the letters are addressed to "Philothea" (Lover of God), they include the substance of correspondence with others as well as Marie de Charmoisy. It has led many to devotion and, as literature, has contributed to the French language. He delves into the maintenance, practice, and perfection of various virtues. Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable. Tip = frequently during the day if you can, but at least night and morning, examine yourself whether your soul is in your hand, or if it has not been snatched thence by some passion or anxiety. If you earnestly desire to be delivered from some evil, or to attain some good, above all things calm and tranquilize your mind and compose your judgement and will; then quietly and gently pursue your aim, adopting suitable means with some method (272). CHAPTER XXXI. St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. On Poverty of Spirit amid Riches. Simply brilliant. CHAPTER XIV. CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER XXXV. In doing so, any loss will not deprive us of composure or tranquility. 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. Join the movement! Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER IV. Francis saw the pursuit of holiness as something possible to each and every Christian, regardless of vocation, temperament or age. Join the movement! I have produced this example, Philothea, in order that you may know of what importance it is to direct all your actions, be they ever so mean, with a pure intent to the service of Gods Divine Majesty. * 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. Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). CHAPTER VI. True devotion is the love of God in the highest form. 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). 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. The historical record suggests that her name was Louise, but somewhere around 2015, scholars start referring to her as Marie) The correspondence began when Madame de Charmoisy, in Annecy, confided to Francis her desire for piety amidst the struggles and distractions associated with life at court. CHAPTER V. Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. 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. Do not contradict anyone, unless there is harm or sin in consenting & therefore do it gently. Of course, this book is not concerned with such politics and historical revisionismwhich have come after its completion. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes used in the spiritual direction of his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy. 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). CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER VI. When Temptation and Delectation are Sin. How to receive Inspirations. CHAPTER XVII. Live, Jesus! Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. (LogOut/ **. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina ("divine reading"), based on the Christian monastic practice of spiritual reading. "Introduction to the Devout Life". Be content to simply drive them away. OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! An introduction to the devout life Franois de Sales (st.) 1885 2 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified Preview this book What. Sketch of the Life of St. Francis of Sales v A Dedicatory Prayer xiii The Author's Preface xv PART THE FIRST CONTAINING THE COUNSELS AND EXERCISES NECESSARY FOR CONDUCTING THE SOUL FROM ITS FIRST DESIRE FOR THE DEVOUT LIFE TO A FULL RESOLUTION TO EMBRACE IT I. 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. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly The "devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life" (6). On The Practice of Bodily Mortification. Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. We must attend to the Business of Life carefully, but without Eagerness or Over-anxiety. See all formats and editions. We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy. CHAPTER IV. 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. CHAPTER XXXVIII. CHAPTER XV. His feast is celebrated on January 24. CHAPTER VII. Learn how the Bible, theCatechism, and Narnia are connected! CHAPTER I. Renew the protestation given in Part I after the meditations on the 1st day of each month and when you feel any slackening in your soul. Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de 9780385030090 | eBay 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. CHAPTER XVI. CHAPTER XIV. Society and Solitude As a general rule, we should always preserve a quiet cheerfulness of manner. Remedies for Great Occasions. Since our possessions are not our own but rather gifts from God to cultivate them, we must take great care to render them useful and fruitful. Resolutions You must not rest satisfied with general desires and aspirations, but rather turn them into special resolutions for your individual correction and amendment to proceed to some practical resolutions [because] mere desires will have but few and tardy results (71-2). Make concrete resolution and specify the exact means of carrying it out. 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.. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. Written for Christians in every walk of life and for every age, the book transcends secular lines and provides for a unique handbook of spiritual reflection for people in the world. This newpaperback edition has the same great content as the ori "Praise God Melissa Overmyer allowed the Holy Spirit to inspire her to write From Worry to Wonder! Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. General Affections which should result from these Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise. Of Holy Communion, and how to join in it. 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 XIX. CHAPTER II. Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics) $ 29.95 Quantity Add to cart Introduction This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message, Aleather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon. How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty. Conclusion of this First Purification. We must develop a spirit of resistance, strengthened by continual prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and trust in God. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. CHAPTER II. Search Introduction to the Devout Life: Preface by the Author Part I: Attaining a Firm Resolution to the Devout Life To purify yourself from your imperfections. The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. * If the temptation continues, hasten in spirit to embrace Jesus crucified on the Cross and promise Him not to yield and ask His aid. Written in a similar style to that of the Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena, the book, however, is in the format of St. Francis writing down answers to a female pupil named Philothea and not a one-on-one conversation as in the Dialogue, but Introduction to the Devout Life is similar in idea. After the examine Thank God for His help. Therefore, you must preserve both thoughts/desires and external senses. Download the free reading plan here. How to exercise real Poverty, although actually Rich. We are not always able to banish the temptation but we can take no pleasure in the sin and refuse consent. Like Catholics of the seventeenth century, we who are living in the twenty-first century can look with confidence to God as he applies his grace to our souls. CHAPTER XV. 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