Introduction to a Devout Life

By Francis de Sales, Francisco de Sales, François de Sales, et al.

Book Overview

Introduction To A Devout Life 978-1-937913-75-5
This abridged and adapted edition of the classic work by Saint Francis de Sales, which is written in contemporary English, treats all of the most relevant subjects in his comprehensive spiritual masterpiece. Known as the Apostle of Love, he reaches out to all people through this concise volume, showing that devotion is available to everyone in every walk of life and occupation.
St. Francis de Sales emphasizes that true devotion is not a one-size-fits-all practice but must be adapted to each person's state in life. He encourages readers to cultivate a deep love for God through prayer, sacraments, and daily virtue. He stresses the importance of mental prayer, or meditation, as a way to reflect on God's presence and align one's actions with His will. The book also provides practical advice on resisting temptations, practicing humility, and maintaining inner peace amidst worldly distractions.
One of its key messages is that holiness is not about extraordinary acts but about faithfully carrying out one's duties with love and devotion. St. Francis de Sales teaches that one can find sanctity in ordinary life--whether as a parent, worker, or student--by offering daily tasks to God.

Among the features of this book are: Sturdy flexible Dura-Lux cover Size 4-3/8" x 6-3/4" Durably sewn binding High-quality paper Informative Wisdom from St. Francis De Sales Conveniently sized to accommodate nightstand or purse Nihil Obstat Imprimatur Visit our website for more spiritual resources and Bibles www.catholicbookpublishing.com
Benefits of a compact book Portability - A small, compact book is easy to carry, making it convenient for travel, commuting, or reading on the go. Accessibility - Its size allows for quick reference, whether for study, prayer, or casual reading, without the bulk of a larger volume. Discreetness - A compact book can be read in public or private without drawing much attention, making it ideal for personal reflection or study. Durability - Smaller books often have sturdier bindings and covers, allowing them to withstand frequent handling and travel. Efficiency - Concise and well-organized content ensures that the reader gets essential information without unnecessary bulk, making learning or devotion more focused and effective.

Introduction To A Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales is a spiritual classic that offers practical guidance for Christians seeking to grow in holiness in their everyday lives. Written in the early 17th century, the book is addressed to all people--laypersons, married couples, and those in secular professions--showing that devotion is not reserved for clergy and religious but is attainable by everyone.
Ultimately, Introduction to the Devout Life is a timeless guide to deepening one's spiritual life. Its wisdom encourages Catholics to seek holiness in all circumstances, growing in love for God and neighbor while remaining faithful to their vocation. The book remains a valuable resource for anyone striving to live a devout and fulfilling Christian life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1937913759
• ISBN13: 9781937913755
• Release Date: January 2013
• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

They keep sending me the wrong book

The book shown on the website is not the same as they sent twice. The book I received has old yellow pages. Not what I expected for very good condition.

Description of book was not what it said it was

The book was supposed to be "good" condition, but it was not. Chunks of pages fell out. It is very hard to read while trying to hold the book together. The cover was different from what I ordered.

What More Can Be Said?

What more can be said about a work that during the four hundred years since its birth (1609) has never gone out of print, and is still garnering the highest praise from Christians of all denominations? A 'classic,' it truly is--'a masterpiece of mystical and devotional literature' (p. 13). INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE (hereafter, IDL) by Francis de Sales (John K. Ryan, ed.)(New York: Doubleday, Image Books, 1972) is the distillation of the written correspondence exchanged between the Roman Catholic bishop, Francis de Sales and his relative by marriage, Mademoiselle de Charmoisy (Marie de Chastel). Published only coincidentally when Marie showed the letters to the Jesuit priest, Pére Jean Fourier, who subsequently persuaded Francis to prepare them for publication. It is no wonder that Francis has been honored as the 'patron saint of writers'. His illustrations--frequently derived from nature--are always rich and informative, but sometimes overly florid. For example, he defines 'devotion' as: 'the delight of delights and queen of the virtues since it is the perfection of charity. If charity is milk, devotion is its cream; if it is a plant, devotion is its blossom; if it is a precious stone, devotion is its luster; if it is a rich ointment, devotion is its odor, yes, the odor of sweetness which comforts men and rejoices angels' (p. 43). Francis has also been deemed a 'Doctor of the Church' for his wisdom. Take for example this comment on the exercise of certain virtues: 'Occasions do not often present themselves for the exercise of fortitude, magnanimity, and great generosity, but meekness, temperance, integrity, and humility are virtues that must mark all our actions. We like sugar better than salt but salt is in more common and frequent use' (p. 121). In IDL Francis depicts what he would likely call the 'normal Christian life' as he understood it as a Roman Catholic bishop in the first decade of the seventeenth century. By his definition, devout Christians '. . . pray, fast, endure injuries, take care of the sick, give alms to the poor, keep vigils, restrain anger, suppress their passions, give up sensual pleasures, and perform other actions painful and rigorous . . .' (p. 41). Do we know any believers today in the early twenty-first century who fit this description? My copy of IDL has more highlighting; in more colors; with more underlining; with more paper clips dotting its edge, than any other book I happen to own. It is one of the few books whose spine I have cracked into two pieces for reason of overuse. Protestants will have to overlook certain Roman Catholic nuance and what they may regard as an inappropriately high estimation for Mary, the mother of Jesus, but is there another Christian spiritual director from whom we can learn more about the subtleties of the human condition? As the editor observes: the book's '. . . greatness lies in many things: in its originality, its completeness, its sincerity, its balance, its penetration, and

Introduction to the Devout Life : A Popular Abridgment

This book by St Francis De Sales is very readable and inspiring for anyone wanting to be a lover of God. Written in the 1600's it is as relevant today as then. Aimed not at Religious or Priests but at Lay men and women it explains how to build your faith and prayer life. The abridgement enables today's reader to clearly follow the teachings of this French Bishop. Excellent reading.