Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. How to Hear and Read God's Word. I've read most of St. Francis de Sales "Catholic Controversy" and had heard only good things about his "Introduction". 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. Strive to extract holy thoughts and pious aspirations from all the varying circumstances of our mortal life. Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics). 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. CHAPTER XXIII. CHAPTER XXX. CHAPTER VIII. Fr. Of the other Public Offices of the Church. It is. Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind. I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. Amen. 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. Be open in all faithfulness and sincerity, laying bare both good and evil. Let us endeavour then, Philothea, to practise well these virtues, each one according to his vocation; for though they do not place us in the state of perfection, yet they will make us perfect: and, indeed, everyone is obliged to practise them, though not all after the same manner (154). 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. Introduction to the Devout Life Frivolous Attachments. Francis de Sales preached and wrote with a simple clarity. St. Francis de Sales' perennial classic of spiritual direction. If you will not be as sincere and plain as a little child, you shall not then have the sweet reward of childlike simplicity. For example, boldly acknowledge that you would rather die than commit amortal sin. CHAPTER III. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. St. Francis de Sales is deeply influenced by the thought of St. Philip Neri and embraces some elements of the life of the laity that were previously thought sinful. A seminal work of faith. Frequently repeat the words of St. Paul that you are not your own. (LogOut/ Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. St. Francis discusses the nature of temptation, what constitutes succumbing to temptation, how to fight off temptation, and how to strengthen oneself so that temptations never penetrate. General Affections which should result from these Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise. Concerning Dryness in Meditation. I would be starting back at the beginning again it seems like the sort of book one could profitably read every year except that I have another of his that I want to start in its place. Do not spend longer than an hour unless expressly desired to do so by your spiritual director. CHAPTER IX. You will always find His eyes fixed upon you with unchangeable love (84). 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). An introduction to a devout life Written originally in French by St. Francis de Sales . 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. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. Consolation must encourage us to humility and good works. Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? sdegutis Saint Francis de Sales. on May 25, 2021, Classic Catholic book by St. Francis de Sales on how to grow in devotion and holiness in everyday life while living in the world, There are no reviews yet. CHAPTER XV. Been reading this every couple of years for Lent. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. Patience Patience in all trials is the key to possessing our souls. Humility perfects us towards God. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? 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. 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. The Necessity of Purging away all tendency to Venial Sins. Humble yourself & beg His help. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. Even if you resisted, have you taken pleasure in the temptation? Be poor in spirit. 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 X. On Poverty of Spirit amid Riches. Privacy. Introduction to the Devout Life is a timeless gem and I was truly blessed by reading it. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Q. "Introduction to the Devout Life". How to combine due care for a Good Reputation with Humility. I shall say nothing of these three virtues, when they are solemnly vowed, because this subject concerns religious orders only; nor even when they are simply vowed; for though a vow may add many graces and merits to virtues, yet, to make us perfect, it is not necessary that vows should be made, provided they be observed. 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). Un buen devocional catlico donde recolectar consejos y pensamientos profundos sobre diversos temas: sufrimiento, enfermedades, ansiedad, depresin, oracin, etc. Awareness that God dwells in your heart and spirit. A hearty Protest made with the object of confirming the Soul's resolution to serve God, as a conclusion to its acts of Penitence. Hear the book read aloud with additional expert commentary in the Catholic Classics podcast! 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. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder, True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions, The necessity of a spiritual guide for progress in the devout life, Part 2: Counsels Concerning the Souls Approach to God in Prayer and the Sacraments, Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayers, and Holy Thoughts, Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush, Part Fourth: Some Needful Remedies Against Ordinary Temptations, Part Fifth: Counsels and Exercises for the Renewing of the Soul, and Her Confirmation in Devotion, Summary of The Rules for Discernment of Spirits by St. Ignatius of Loyola, click here for the PDF of the 10 meditations, 9 Practical Tips from Dubays FireWithin, 7 things I learnt from Catechesi Tradendae byJP2, The Magician's Twin: C.S. I'd never put it away, it needs to be a regular reference. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. Remember that one day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly gratification (252). Live, Jesus! This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. At the heart of his message is the conviction that God has made us for himself and that our Lord offers himself in prayer and sacrament as we grow in virtue and heal from vice. 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. CHAPTER IV. I did find I had to seep up Gregory and Jacob, but even with that it was great to listen to their commentary each day, and read their commentary before the different sections of the book. What I particularly enjoy is his insistence on different spiritual acts for people in different states of life. In Introduction to the Devout Life, 17th-century French clergyman Francis de Sales addresses himself to the mass of Christians who do not believe it possible that they could live a devout life while also struggling to make their way in the world. St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. This was written specifically for the laity by St. Francis de Sales. CHAPTER XXXIX. The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us. We must attend to the Business of Life carefully, but without Eagerness or Over-anxiety. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. Amusements recreation is good to relax the mind and body but we must guard against excess either in the time they occupy or in the importance given to them (for then they become evils as soon as they absorb the heart). 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. A continued habitual temperance is far better than occasional, rigid abstinence alternating with great relaxation. Great fires flame all the more when the wind blows, but a little fire will be altogether extinguished unless it be sheltered (221). Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. Let us reflect upon all He has done for us, and all we have done against Him; and as we count over our sins in detail, even so let us count over His mercies (131). Love poverty and the poor; for by this love you will become truly poor yourself, since we become like to that which we love (167). (1) Begin all prayer, whether mental or vocal, by placing yourself in the presence of God. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. CHAPTER XIV. The work is also used as a guide in Christian spiritual direction.[1]. 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