saint francis de sales introduction to the devout life

He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. 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. Though known for his great intellect and theological wisdom, he spoke with simplicity and earnestness, so that all could understand. He was known as a spiritually understanding man as well as a friend of the poor. He became bishop of Geneva in 1602.įrancis de Sales is the author of various collections of sermons on Mary, Lent, prayer and Christmastide. He became a doctor of law at the age of 24 at the Jesuit College of Clermont, Paris, and was ordained a priest by Bishop Claude de Granier and stationed in Geneva in 1593. After a disturbing spiritual fear of being condemned, he eventually resolved his problem and decided to dedicate his life to God in 1587. His father sent him to a good school when he was young, and he received spiritual formation from the Jesuits. (French: François de Sales Italian: Francesco di Sales) was a Bishop of Geneva and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Canon Surmont, Vicar General, Westminster, 20th November 1924.Francis de Sales, C.O., T.O.M., A.O.F.M. This edition has been re-typeset using the text of the 1943 edition originally published by Burns Oates and Washbourne, London, under the imprimatur of Edm.

Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis De Sales, edited and translated by Allan Ross. This book is truly medicine for the soul. Above all, he is a spiritual genius, and thus was made a Doctor of the Church. Even non-Christians have admired his prose. His writings are characterized by sublime common sense. Francis de Sales was a master psychologist, with a special gift for teaching practical morality. This book does what many similar books fail to do, teach the reader to grow in holiness, step by simple step. Written for the layman surrounded by worldliness, this is a masterpiece of mystical and devotional literature, by a great and much loved Doctor of the Church. It has always occupied a privileged position in the Church: no guide ever written provides so complete, so balanced and so practical an approach to the spiritual life. Since its first publication in 1609 this book has never gone out of print.

Saint francis de sales introduction to the devout life