"God often sends us inspirations through his messengers, the angels, so it is fitting that we return our prayers to him in the same way. "Two points are always used to prepare oneself for the meditation: place yourself in the presence of God, and ask for his help in praying." "You cannot imagine our Savior in an action more full of love, or more tender, than this." Prayer // “We must not be disturbed by our imperfections, since for us perfection consists in fighting against them.” Sacraments //
Not only is this true, but the practice of devotion must also be adapted to the strength, temperament, activities and duties of each person.” “Devotion, the spiritual life, must be exercised in different ways by the gentleman, the worker, the soldier, the servant, the prince, the married woman, the widow or widower and the young. Often his writing is encouraging the reader to be gentle with oneself and to be at peace.
Saint Francis honors this effort with reverence. Saint Francis is tender and patient in his guidance, knowing that the reader is already trying to live a devout life. Saint Francis de Sales addresses the words of his book to "Philothea"- which translates to “one who loves God” or “soul in love with God.” That’s you, dear reader. Divided by topic into short reflections, the reader can read straight through or by topic.įavorite Quotes from The Introduction to the Devout Life The title is somewhat misleading, as it guides you along the way wherever you are in the devout life. But in 1619, Saint Francis de Sales recognized the universal call to holiness and in his book he shares how to get there. Most of the works written before this had been for those in the cloister or priesthood. It is unique in that it is one of the earliest books written for those living in the world, but striving to not be part of it. Introduction to the Devout Life is far more than just an introduction. In many ways, Saint Francis de Sales was a spiritual director for me at a time when I thought spiritual direction was a thing of history long past that no one did anymore. Many years later, we still send each other messages on his feast day. During my college years, I read it over and over again with my household sisters, and we strived to live his wisdom.
Saint Francis and his guidance became a guide for me in my initial days of navigating the Faith. With the word "introduction" in the title, I figured it must be meant for me. I found it on my brother’s book shelf when I was looking for something to read and hungering to grow in my faith. Saint Francis de Sales' book The Introduction to the Devout Life made its way into my life early in my walk with the Lord.
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