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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. Learn how the Bible, theCatechism, and Narnia are connected! But I was no less comforted when I found her in her fathers kitchen, humbly turning the spit, blowing the fire, dressing the meat, kneading the bread, and doing the meanest offices of the house with a courage full of love and affection for her God; for I esteem no less the little and humble meditation she made amongst these mean and abject employments, than the ecstasies and raptures she so often had, which, perhaps, were given her only in recompense of her humility and abjection. Humans have always been human, who knew? By the help of one virtue heartily practiced men may attain to all holiness ~ Gregory Nazianzen. 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. How the Saints are united to us. CHAPTER XIV. How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty. True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions True devotion hinders no one, but rather it perfects everything. CHAPTER V. Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. How to strengthen the Heart against Temptation. I really just mean that it is one of those books that I will refer back to again and again for spiritual help. 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. CONTAINING NEEDFUL COUNSELS CONCERNING SOME ORDINARY TEMPTATIONS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayers, and Holy Thoughts Do not fail to long frequently for God by short but ardent efforts of your heart (87). Of course, this book is not concerned with such politics and historical revisionismwhich have come after its completion. Things that I did not recall reading before were powerful this time around. He died in 1622 on December 28, and was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. probably best to journal along side as there are many reflective questions and insights to consider. Introduction to the Devout Life With Linked Table of Contents. First Consideration--of the Worth of Souls. The perfection of this humility consists in taking pleasure and delight in order to exalt Gods Majesty and to esteem our neighbors better than ourselves. Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church. CHAPTER XX. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. I listened to the podcast in the morning and then read the associated sections in the afternoon. He provides insight and guidance for the virtues of patience, humility, gentleness, obedience, purity, poverty, and friendship. On Gentleness towards Ourselves. (LogOut/ 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. CHAPTER XV. CHAPTER VIII. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. 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. Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? Charles Borromeo had a great influence on Francis de Sales because of his pastoral approach to bringing devotion to the Christian in the world. 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. The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey. 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.. 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. Consolation must encourage us to humility and good works. 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. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina ("divine reading"), based on the Christian monastic practice of spiritual reading. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. 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). Be not surprised, then, replied the apostle, that I should sometimes remit somewhat of my close application and attention of spirit in order to enjoy a little recreation, that I may afterwards employ myself more fervently in divine contemplation (214). Humble yourself & beg His help. Battling wisely against temptation Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small. 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. How to receive Inspirations. 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). True devotion is the perfection of charity. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Faithfully render'd into English. I'll be returning to it many times in the future! 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. Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service. It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you. 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. CHAPTER VI. 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. Classic Catholic book by St. Francis de Sales on how to grow in devotion and holiness in everyday life while living in the world Addeddate 2021-05-25 17:26:06 Identifier an-introduction-to-the-devout-life The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. 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. On Poverty of Spirit amid Riches. I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. 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. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. He presents spirituality in simple, ordinary French with references to images from daily life and popular and natural history. 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 . 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. CHAPTER XVIII. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. . An introduction to a devout life Written originally in French by St. Francis de Sales . 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. We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. A message from theCatholic Classics podcast hosts:St. Un buen devocional catlico donde recolectar consejos y pensamientos profundos sobre diversos temas: sufrimiento, enfermedades, ansiedad, depresin, oracin, etc. Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star. CHAPTER XX. Chastity has its origin in the heart and its substance in the body. CHAPTER I. When to use such Amusements rightly. Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Patience Patience in all trials is the key to possessing our souls. CHAPTER XXII. Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be meditated to Your Imagination. The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. Further Counsels as to Conversation. CHAPTER I. 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 XXI. This is not the first time I have read this classic of Christian spirituality. The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions. Persevere in this blessed undertaking of a devout life . 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). "Introduction to the Devout Life". PART I. CHAPTER V. The First Step must be Purifying the Soul. The Eternal Love of God for us. Be content to simply drive them away. Read & meditate on Sacred things. Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. 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. 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. 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! OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! The Affections to be excited after such Examination. 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). "Ogden O.S.F.S., Edward. Avoid immodest persons. CHAPTER XIII. 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). This took me almost all year to read, because I read it a bit at a time, but it was amazing. Anxiety anxiety is the souls greatest enemy, sin only excepted. Second Consideration--on the Excellence of Virtue. 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. This should be fitting in regards to the state of life to which God has called you. Of Holy Communion, and how to join in it. 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). Introduction to the Devout Life Saint Francis de Sales (1567 - 1622) First published in the early 17th century, it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. Meditation is an act of understanding consisting of one or more reflections made with the view of exciting our affections towards God and the things of Heaven (70). Show more Ratings Friends Following to discover what your friends think of this book! How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. "Why St. Francis de Saless Devout Life still resonates today". CHAPTER X. How to exercise real Poverty, although actually Rich. 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). You will always find His eyes fixed upon you with unchangeable love (84). CHAPTER XXXV. Always follow holy desires if your affections are greatly kindled towards God after your preparation, yield to them without heeding any formal method. Charity alone can place us in perfection, but obedience, chastity, and poverty, are the three principal means by which to attain to it. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. St. Francis recommends a general confession as the most profitable beginning to start the devout life (16). 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 XI. Preaching during the Counter-Reformation, he is estimated to have converted 70,000 Calvinists in his short lifetime. 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. sdegutis Search Introduction to the Devout Life: Preface by the Author Part I: Attaining a Firm Resolution to the Devout 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. 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. Society and Solitude As a general rule, we should always preserve a quiet cheerfulness of manner. 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 I. 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. CONTAINING SUNDRY COUNSELS AS TO UPLIFTING THE SOUL TO GOD IN PRAYER AND THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Dive deeper into the world of Narnia with your family, classroom, or small group wit Are you saved? is a common Christian question, but how do Catholics respond? $14.06 2 Used from $4.42. If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it, but let your devotion take that channel (except if bound to recite the Office). 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