(223). 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 . CHAPTER XIV. Imagine our Saviour beside or in front of us. How to resist temptations Immediately fly to God and seek His mercy and His help. CHAPTER XXVII. Get help and learn more about the design. "[5] "It is an error, or rather a heresy, to wish to banish the devout life from the regiment of soldiers, the mechanic's shop, the court of princes, or the home of married people. Picture Jesus looking down from heaven on you. 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. Realize to whom you made this pledge and in front of whom. But more importantly, in the Introduction to the Devout Life, "St. Francis de Sales gives one of the clearest statements in religious literature of the theory and practice of the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way, the three levels of thought and conduct that are required for a completely moral and religious life" Page 14. 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. Join the movement! web pages CHAPTER XXII. The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us. CHAPTER XXXIII. CHAPTER VII. Conversation When you speak of God, let it be done with reverence, devotion, gentleness, charity, and humility. Q. CHAPTER XI. This is a Lenten reading of the spiritual classic, Introduction to the Devout Life, authored by Saint Francis de Sales, and read by Father Rob Ketcham. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! Anxiety anxiety is the souls greatest enemy, sin only excepted. 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. Never omit this exercise any more than that of the morning, for as by the latter you open the windows of your soul to the sun of righteousness, so by these evening devotions you close them against the darkness of Hell (83). Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service. The world is an unjust judge, partial and indulgent to its own children, but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God (250). CHAPTER IV. We must develop a spirit of resistance, strengthened by continual prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and trust in God. CHAPTER X. Pray 12-minutes a day to help God save America. The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions. CHAPTER III. This book was like having a saint as your personal spiritual director. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. Learn how the Bible, theCatechism, and Narnia are connected! Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. Reading this volume was a bit of a different process. Growing in virtue These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. A testament to the spirit of Catholicism, namely, that monasticism and prayer are the heart of the church and that application of such practices can be reconciled with societal life, further proving that the so-called dark ages were an age of deep monasticism and it is only viewed cynically in the modern day through the Enlightenment ideals of societal progress as a means to salvation. 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. Poverty The poor in spirit have not riches in their hearts nor their hearts in riches. Andrew Hanson CCEL Intern Popularity 82% Available formats Read online Read on mobile Download probably best to journal along side as there are many reflective questions and insights to consider. 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. It is a favourable feature of this war, that so long as we will fight, we must be victorious (15). Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. Persevere in this blessed undertaking of a devout life . The "devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life" (6). 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). 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. CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE. (4) Holy submission to God Abandon yourself entirely to Gods Providence, willing that He should do what He will with you amidst your thorns and your desires (286). Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. CHAPTER VIII. Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de 9780385030090 | eBay Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. This daily series of 3 posted chapters at a. Three Important and Final Counsels. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. The Eternal Love of God for us. 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). Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics) $ 29.95 Quantity Add to cart Introduction This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. 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). 4/5. Further Counsels as to Conversation. 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. Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life."[6]. 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. Charity bids humility to > reveal thetruth. Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. CHAPTER XXII. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. Privacy. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. Hear the book read aloud with additional expert commentary in the Catholic Classics podcast! The world We are crucified to the world and the world should be crucified to us. CHAPTER XXXIV. CHAPTER XIV. 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 a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life (6). Frequently repeat the words of St. Paul that you are not your own. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. Remedies against Evil Friendships. CHAPTER XX. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. We must be gentle towards ourselves look upon your faults with a calm, collected, and firm displeasure. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. CHAPTER IX. May St. Francis de Sales and his Introduction to the Devout Life encourage you in your pursuit of Christ.. ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. Join the movement! Privacy. * St. Francis provides 10 meditations to help us make the 1st step in purifying us from all sin (click here for the PDF of the 10 meditations) *. It has led many to devotion and, as literature, has contributed to the French language. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. (LogOut/ Of Balls, and other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements. The necessity of a spiritual guide for progress in the devout life The path of humble obedience and full trust that God is working fully through him. something w lots depth and wisdom that would challenge and shake me up a bit. Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. CHAPTER V. The First Step must be Purifying the Soul. Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes used in the spiritual direction of his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy. Topics catholic Collection opensource. CHAPTER VI. on the Internet. Uploaded by Part III: The Practice of Virtue (patience, meekness, humility, Part IV: Some Ordinary Temptations and how to overcome them, Part V: Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion, This page was last edited on 2 April 2023, at 16:04. You will always find His eyes fixed upon you with unchangeable love (84). We must not trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom. Your spiritual guide must be filled with charity, knowledge, and discretion. 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. Simply brilliant. 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