Introduction to the Devout Life
by St. Francis de Sales
Early 1600s. The bishop of Geneva, St. Francis de Sales, is a busy spiritual director, and many of the people he guides are not monks or nuns. They're laypeople: married women, courtiers, people running households. Out of letters to one of them came this book, carrying an idea that was daring for its day. Holiness is not reserved for the cloister. It's for everyone, everywhere.
Francis writes to “Philothea,” a name meaning lover of God, and leads her step by step. First comes a decisive break with sin. Then comes learning to pray and meditate. Then the virtues in daily life: patience, humility, gentleness, honest speech, moderation in amusements. Finally he covers temptation, discouragement and renewing your resolutions. His tone is gentle and encouraging, and his images come from bees, birds and gardens.
It suits anyone who wants a practical path into the spiritual life, busy parents and professionals, and OCIA participants learning to pray daily. Francis is a Doctor of the Church. Read a chapter a day.
Key Takeaways
- Holiness is for every walk of life.
- A step-by-step path from turning from sin to daily virtue.
- Practical advice on prayer, conversation and recreation.
- How to handle temptation and discouragement.
It shows that holiness is for people with jobs, families and busy lives.
