probably best to journal along side as there are many reflective questions and insights to consider. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. CHAPTER XV. Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind. Charles Borromeo had a great influence on Francis de Sales because of his pastoral approach to bringing devotion to the Christian in the world. It is. CHAPTER VII. Small temptations Overall, resisting these lesser temptations provides us with more benefit because they are continual trials for devout and fervent persons. CHAPTER XXVII. The two sides between which we ascend, and in which the rounds are fastened, represent prayer, which obtains the love of God, and the sacraments which confer it; the rounds are nothing but divers degrees of charity, by which we advance from virtue to virtue, either descending, by action, to the help and support of our neighbour, or ascending, by contemplation, to a blessed union with God (7). CHAPTER II. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. An introduction to a devout life Written originally in French by St. Francis de Sales . Q. * St. Francis provides 10 meditations to help us make the 1st step in purifying us from all sin (click here for the PDF of the 10 meditations) *. Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness. 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). "The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacob's ladder. CHAPTER X. How to Hear and Read God's Word. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. A notable literary man has said that a good way to learn is to study, a better to listen, and the best to teach. It's written to an imagined devout woman, but really it's written to anyone who is interested in this subject, and even non-Catholic people will find plenty of useful hints in here. It was. 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. CHAPTER III. What true Devotion is. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Mark-Mary, CFR, the Director of Communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renew Sign up to get the first look at Ascension's newest programs and offerings! PART IV. The work is also used as a guide in Christian spiritual direction.[1]. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. I really just mean that it is one of those books that I will refer back to again and again for spiritual help. 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. Plaushin O.S.F.S., Mark. 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. A short Method of Meditation. St. Francis recommends a general confession as the most profitable beginning to start the devout life (16). Introduction to the Devout Life Frivolous Attachments. Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. Join the movement! 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. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! He delves into the maintenance, practice, and perfection of various virtues. Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message, Aleather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon. it's hard to move through this book fast. 4/5. Q. Concluding the meditation Make the following 3 acts with utmost humility: (1)Thanksgiving, (2) Oblation, (3) Intercession. 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. On Friendship: Evil and Frivolous Friendship. Things that I did not recall reading before were powerful this time around. 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 VI. He was a fervent proponent of the universal call to holiness and spent much of his time guiding lay people on the road to sanctity. Humans have always been human, who knew? I place this book in the same league as that classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas of Kempis. We must hate sin with a hearty, vigorous contrition and detest every affection, circumstance, and inducement which tends towards it. CHAPTER I. We must not trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom. Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. 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). His two masterpieces are Introduction to a Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. I listened to the podcast in the morning and then read the associated sections in the afternoon. 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. i am excited to re read it - and move through it on my own time. Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? It has led many to devotion and, as literature, has contributed to the French language. He contends that devotion is not a state necessarily relegated to monks in cloisters, but can be a quality of life to which everyone can aspire. to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. How to make a General Confession. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. First Consideration--of the Worth of Souls. Persevere We must be patient and persevere in the path of Christian perfection. Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. "Introduction to the Devout Life". Part III, Chapter 18 prev: next Such foolish attachments between man and woman without any matrimonial intentions as are called amourettes,--mere abortions, or rather phantoms of friendship,--must not, idle and empty as they are, profane the name of friendship or love. Further Advice concerning Intimacies. Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power (92). Humble yourself & beg His help. Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis of Sales attempts to help Christians discern what it means to be a child of God in a secular world. In doing so, any loss will not deprive us of composure or tranquility. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. How to prepare for temptations Once you are aware of your predominate temptations, let your way of life be altogether opposed to them in thought, word, and deed. CHAPTER III. How to resist temptations Immediately fly to God and seek His mercy and His help. There are some persons who dare not or will not think about the graces with which God has endowed them, fearing lest they should become self . You will also practise the virtues of humility, obedience, sincerity, charity; nay, in a word, in this one act of confession you can exercise more virtues than in any other whatsoever. CHAPTER XIV. ), PRAY WITH CATHOLICS EVERYWHERE TO SAVE AMERICA. So far the best translation I saw was. The Second Purification, from all Sinful Affections. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Make contrary acts above all, acts of the love of God (*best way to overcome the enemy because the love of God contains the perfection of all virtues*). CHAPTER IX. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. CHAPTER VIII. Make concrete resolution and specify the exact means of carrying it out. 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. On The Practice of Bodily Mortification. How to effect this Second Purification. That is the gist of this work; for those individuals (which would indeed, unfortunately, be a large numer) who are not destined for a religious vocation or a life of monastic contemplation, the lessons contained within the Introduction to the Devout Life (if at least minutely adhered to) can become a moral and religious compass for individuals who are frightfully lost as a result of the freewheeling sexualization of society, unrepentant, insolent amour propre, the rise of unceasing materialism and other debasing wounds that can cause spiritual deadness and thus can become none too quick to heal. CHAPTER XXI. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. A hearty Protest made with the object of confirming the Soul's resolution to serve God, as a conclusion to its acts of Penitence. Society and Solitude As a general rule, we should always preserve a quiet cheerfulness of manner. I've seen some translations online that honestly are hard to read and boring due to all the old expressions (they seem to just drag on and on - rather than crisply conveying what they are meant to convey). CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE. Be content to simply drive them away. 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. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Be ready for martyrdom but in the meantime meekly endure all little evils, trifling inconveniences, and unimportant losses, which happen daily; for by using these little opportunities with a good and loving purpose you will overcome your heart and have it entirely under control (222). PART III. He offers exercises to strengthen ones resolution to the devout life, an annual personal examination to assess one's status, progress, or backsliding, and finally offers concluding counsels. Without it repose is but idleness, labour but trouble; therefore, I beseech you, cleave steadily to it, and never forsake it (91). Persevere in this blessed undertaking of a devout life . 0 Ratings 10 Want to read; 0 Currently reading; 0 Have read (LogOut/ Battling wisely against temptation But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. This time I got the audiobook version since I know I will keep coming back to it. CHAPTER XIII. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. CHAPTER V. Encouragement for the Tempted Soul. Gentleness perfects us towards our neighbor. 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). It's full of practical advice on prayer, virtues, vices, friendships, and so much more. You will always find His eyes fixed upon you with unchangeable love (84). During his lifetime, St. Francis de Sales gave spiritual direction to many individuals. CHAPTER XVI. Counsels to Married People. CONTAINING SUNDRY COUNSELS AS TO UPLIFTING THE SOUL TO GOD IN PRAYER AND THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS. CHAPTER II. These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. Francis de Sales preached and wrote with a simple clarity. CHAPTER VI. Two striking Illustrations of the same. When Temptation and Delectation are Sin. Learn how the Bible, theCatechism, and Narnia are connected! The devout life "renders all such actions easy, pleasant, and grateful" (6). In his Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis de Sales wrote: "I speak here of a general renewal of the heart and complete conversion of your soul to God by undertaking a devout life, it seems to me thatyou should faithfully practice the following meditations. Copyright 2023 Ascension Press. Privacy. If you will not be as sincere and plain as a little child, you shall not then have the sweet reward of childlike simplicity. If you are looking to deepen your faith, understand your faith, this book is for you! As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone . We must not tolerate any sins in our friends. CHAPTER VIII. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. $14.06 2 Used from $4.42. CHAPTER IX. True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions True devotion hinders no one, but rather it perfects everything. $1.99; $1.99; Publisher Description. Three Important and Final Counsels. . Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush. Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. We are not always able to banish the temptation but we can take no pleasure in the sin and refuse consent. Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. Make surethat these are truly internal dispositions and not just external actions. 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. When Madame de Charmoisy returned to Paris, she showed the letters to her confessor, Jesuit Father Jean Fourier, who encouraged De Sales to publish them. by Francis de Sales. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy. Avoid immodest persons. Without it you cannot follow the contemplative life well, nor the active life without danger. Conclusion of this First Purification. CHAPTER XXXVIII. CHAPTER V. Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. 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. 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. 2 sorts of persons ought to communicate frequently: Your chief aim in Holy Communion should be to advance, strengthen, and comfort yourself in the love of God; receiving for loves sake, what love alone can give (112). 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. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. While the letters are addressed to "Philothea" (Lover of God), they include the substance of correspondence with others as well as Marie de Charmoisy. If you have glutted yourself with worldly pleasures, it is no wonder that you should find an unsavoury taste in spiritual delights (285). ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). CHAPTER VIII. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. Confession Confess yourself humbly and devoutly once every week, and always, if possible, before you communicate, even though your conscience should not reproach you with the guilt of mortal sin: for by confession you not only receive absolution from the venial sins you confess, but likewise strength to avoid them, light to discern them well, and grace to repair all the damage you may have sustained by them. 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