Join the movement! 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. 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. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. (1) Begin all prayer, whether mental or vocal, by placing yourself in the presence of God. How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty. THE DESCRIPTION OF TRUE DEVOTION. 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). 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). Should you relish the fruits, or any of them, stop without going further, like the bees, who never quit the flower as long as they can suck any honey from it; but if, upon trial, you do not succeed according to your wishes, proceed to another consideration with a calm and tranquil mind, without hurrying yourself or fatiguing your soul (70). This book was written for people with desire to be closer to God, a desire DeSales found on all levels of society, and the reason he wrote this book. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy schedule Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. Q. Remember then frequently to retire into the solitude of your heart, even whilst you are externally occupied in business or society (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). clifforddham. 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. CHAPTER IV. His feast is celebrated on January 24. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. Book 4 considers how to better resist or avoid temptation, while Book 5 is about increasing virtue and staying committed to a devout life. Get help and learn more about the design. PART I. Picture Jesus looking down from heaven on you. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results.Themes include:Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedlyIncorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy scheduleGrowing in virtueBattling wisely against . Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. PART I. The most profitable humiliations are those that God sends us and those that are most opposed to our natural inclinations. 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. The NEW and EXPANDED Edition of the best-selling Deluxe Then and Now Bible Maps! How to effect this Second Purification. web pages There is always greater benefit and comfort to be derived from the public service of the Church than from private devotions (95). True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions True devotion hinders no one, but rather it perfects everything. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey. Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. For instance, if I have resolved to win those who annoy me by gentleness, I will seek the opportunity of addressing them kindly, but if the occasion does not present itself, I will speak well of them, and pray for them (75). The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. The world is an unjust judge, partial and indulgent to its own children, but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God (250). We are not always able to banish the temptation but we can take no pleasure in the sin and refuse consent. This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. 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 XXI. Concerning Dryness in Meditation. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone . It is. Anxiety anxiety is the souls greatest enemy, sin only excepted. Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life."[6]. The Necessity of Purging away all tendency to Venial Sins. Daily & yearly renewal -Just as a clock must be wind up daily and taken apart each year to prevent rust, we must renew our devotion daily and do a thorough examine each year. Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation. CHAPTER II. Saint Francis de Sales-patron saint of authors and writers and eminent Doctor of the Catholic Church-is quite deserving of his posthumous honors and titles, for with Introduction to the Devout Life (among his numerous other books and pamphlets), he gives to not only Catholics around the world but humanity in general, a religious, imformative yet readable work of theology that will aid in answering some of the fundamental questions of human existence. The classic handbook for ordinary people who want to live spiritually devout lives continues, with advice on how to resist temptations and constantly renew your commitment to loving and serving God. 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. CHAPTER XXXVI. CHAPTER XXIV. Saint Francis de Sales. The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us. CHAPTER VI. (LogOut/ Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales The most popular Catholic self-help book of all time is written for laymen. First Consideration--of the Worth of Souls. Join the movement! Whether you are running a tractor, a ba How do you grow closer to sainthood in your daily life? If we persevere, we shall gradually, by the help of His grace, learn to speak, to act and will like Him (61). St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. "Reading Your Way to Heaven" Introduction to the Devout Life - Introduction: Part 1 - Chapter 10 (Podcast Episode 2019) - Plot summary, synopsis, and more. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). 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. Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church. What true Devotion is. 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. Examination as to the Affectations of the Soul. Turn your heart to Jesus Christ crucified and kiss His sacred feet. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. 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. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. Humility consists in really knowing and freely acknowledging our abasement. CHAPTER II. How to resist temptations Immediately fly to God and seek His mercy and His help. Charity bids humility to > reveal thetruth. CHAPTER XXII. Of Holy Communion, and how to join in it. The world We are crucified to the world and the world should be crucified to us. Introduction to the Devout Life Frivolous Attachments. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of . What true Devotion is. Actions We must be faithful in things great and small. 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star. By St. Francis de Sales Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V Part First. An Answer to Two Objections which may be made to this Book. Introduction to the Devout Life is one of the great religious and devotional masterpieces. (3) Go to your confessor. The book speaks to what is devotion and why we need devotion. Make anopen profession of your desire to be devout. CHAPTER XVI. Your spiritual guide must be filled with charity, knowledge, and discretion. 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. This daily series of 3 posted chapters at a. Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience. A keen and attentive realizing of Gods omnipresence. Evening exercise gratitude, examination, offer to God yourself, ask for protection. Humility Humility is found through reflecting on both (1) Gods mercies and favors towards us and (2) our ingratitude, imperfection, and sins against Him. A short Method of Meditation. 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 . Growing in virtue CHAPTER XI. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. CHAPTER XXIII. [4] According to poet Kathleen Norris, "De Saless easy way of employing images from nature is one of the great pleasures of his book. Charity alone can place us in perfection, but obedience, chastity, and poverty, are the three principal means by which to attain to it. Awareness that God dwells in your heart and spirit. What does spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life? INTRODUCTION To A DEVOUT LIFE. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. So far the best translation I saw was. All Evil Inclinations must be purged away. "Ogden O.S.F.S., Edward. it's hard to move through this book fast. this book gave me everything i was looking for and more. Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales (Summary+Review) Biblical Bookworm 3.25K subscribers Subscribe 254 2.2K views 1 year ago WIEN #firstvideoonyoutube #newcatholicchannel. An Introduction to the Devout Life, Part 1 by St. Francis de Sales Publication date 2009-05-31 Usage Public Domain Topics Audiobook - Nonfiction, Religion, spirituality How ordinary people in any walk of life can begin a life of deeper love of God, through making prayer and service a part of their everyday routines. Humble yourself & beg His help. CHAPTER VI. * 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. These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. Faithfully render'd into English. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics). Be poor in spirit. 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.. This is not the first time I have read this classic of Christian spirituality. Gentleness perfects us towards our neighbor. A message from theCatholic Classics podcast hosts:St. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. In order to cure our faults, it is doubtless well to mortify the flesh, but above all we must purify our affections, and renew our hearts, and it is advisable never to adopt bodily mortifications without the direction of our spiritual guide (193). All temptations are never permitted by God save to those whom He purposes to exalt in His pure and excellent love (259). CHAPTER XXXIX. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. . We must purify ourselves from all venial sins and evil inclinations and have adetachment from all useless activities. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. They stand alone as such a consoling, encouraging (in the strengthening sense of the word), and complete picture of the life of a Christian life. CONTAINING SUNDRY COUNSELS AS TO UPLIFTING THE SOUL TO GOD IN PRAYER AND THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS. not only is it 400 years old but sometimes each sentence demands serious contemplation for a few days. Chastity has its origin in the heart and its substance in the body. These three branches of the spiritual cross are grounded on a fourth, viz., humility. CHAPTER VIII. How to make a General Confession. I really just mean that it is one of those books that I will refer back to again and again for spiritual help. ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. CHAPTER XXVII. All our actions must be offered to God. We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Frequently repeat the words of St. Paul that you are not your own. PART V. CONTAINING COUNSELS AND PRACTICES FOR RENEWING AND CONFIRMING THE SOUL IN DEVOTION. Francis saw the pursuit of holiness as something possible to each and every Christian, regardless of vocation, temperament or age. After the examine Thank God for His help. Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable. 4 ways to do this (only choose 1 and keep it short and simple): (2) Invocation Humble yourself before God and ask for thegrace to serve and worship Him in your meditation. 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). De Sales explained: "I address my words to Philothea, since I wish to direct what was first written to one person alone to the general benefit of many souls; "[3], Unlike many other writings in this category, it is distinguished by addressing itself to all Christians in any state of life, rather than to just those who have been called to a religious vocation. Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). Further Advice concerning Intimacies. Preaching during the Counter-Reformation, he is estimated to have converted 70,000 Calvinists in his lifetime. Privacy. For you the price doesn't change Rating system:10/10 breathtaking, must read9/10 really good 8/10 good 7/10 good (maybe not for everyone)6/10 and less: I try to read good books lol so that rating should not occurRead online for free: English: https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdfGerman: https://docplayer.org/111125200-Franz-von-sales-philothea.htmlListen online for free:English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33ioi2BXMaA\u0026t=1sGerman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY3fyfy1sPQYou can contact me here: thebiblicalbookworm@gmail.com prev : next . Consider what He is doing, and what you are doing. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. CHAPTER XXIII. Plaushin O.S.F.S., Mark. 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. The Catholic Understanding of Salvation, From Worry to Wonder: A Catholic Guide to Finding Peace Through Scripture, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder. Privacy. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . Live, Jesus! Even if you resisted, have you taken pleasure in the temptation? I place this book in the same league as that classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas of Kempis. EXCELLENT BOOK! 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. A Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the body help save... 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