INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE

First published in 1609 and given its definitive form in 1619, St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life was an immediate and universal success. One of the principal reasons for this is that, unlike so many of the other spiritual books of his time which were written for persons who had withdrawn from the world or were preparing to do so, this work was addressed to those who lived in cities, who had jobs and families to think about on top of trying to live a life which was both sanctifying and fulfilling. The book begins by detailing the need for a firm resolve to lead a life of union with the Lord and then it discusses the means: sacraments, prayer, the practice of virtue, things to be avoided and finally exercises to help one to continue to grow spiritually.

Modern day readers of Msgr. Charles Dollen’s edited and abridged version of this timeless classic will find much here to help them in their pursuit of the devout life today.

About the Author: A nobleman by birth, St. Francis de Sales obtained degrees from universities in Paris and Padua before becoming a priest in 1593. The very next year he volunteered his services as a missionary to Chablais (a district near Geneva) where he encouraged many Calvinists to return to Catholicism. To help him in his task he wrote and distributed leaflets explaining the faith. His most famous books are the Introduction to the Devout Life (1609) and the Treatise on the Love of God (1616). Both were popular when first written and are still appreciated and read today.