Declared a doctor of the church by pope pius ix in 1877, st. Introduction to the devout life catholic spiritual direction. True devotion is the love of god in the highest form. Special thanks to al reichelt and judi kenney of our lady of good counsel parish in vienna, virginia, who developed the first in the series dealing with wendy wrights book on the introduction to the devout life and treatise on the love of god. The flowergirl glycera was so skilled in varying the arrangement and combination of her flowers, that out of the same kinds she produced a great variety of bouquets. How to live a holy life in the secular world is the focus of this masterpiece of christian literature by a 16thcentury priest.
Introduction to the devout life quotes showing 126 of 26 if, when stung by slander or illnature, we wax proud and swell with anger, it is a proof that our gentleness and. Summary of an introduction to the devout life by st. True devotion to god, the author points out, adorns every vocation. It is an audiobook to make your guide for the rest of your life. But my object is to teach those who are living in towns, at court, in their own households, and whose calling obliges them to a social life, so far as externals are concerned. True devotion is when charity reaches that point of. It is a book, moreover, for all, because all are called to the devout life. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of francis in 1622. It often happens that the lives and suggestions of some of the.
Other audio meditations from the introduction of the devout life of creation. And no better guide exists than an introduction to the devout life by st. An introduction to the devout life is a book to be listened again and again. Library of spiritual works for english catholics introduction to the devout life. The book charmed me almost immediately with its familiar, modern voice at least in father michael days translation. Introduction to a devout life catholic apologetics.
An introduction to the devout life the catholic company. Alone, its 10 brief meditations in part i will orient you toward god for the rest of your life. Written for those living in the world it can easily be applied not only to ones spiritual growth but to all of our interactions and challenges in the secular world. Devout life does not require withdrawal from the world.
Dear reader, i request you to read this preface for your own satisfaction as well as mine. 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. Meditations from the introduction to the devout life by st. The most popular catholic selfhelp book of all time is written for laymen. Devout life teachings the flame of love movement, united. Catholic treasury introduction to a devout life st. Francis served the church at a dangerous time in a dangerous place. The person intent upon gaining heaven should first resort to a competent guide to reach that goal of all goals. Francis the flowergirl glycera was so skilled in varying the arrangement and combination of her flowers, that out of the same kinds she produced a great variety of bouquets. Francis of sales attempts to help christians discern what it means to be a child of god in a secular world. How ordinary people in any walk of life can begin a life of deeper love of god, through making prayer and. We can glorify god in a secular world, and be a testimony to the world of gods abounding grace. Nearly everyone who has written about the spiritual life has had in mind. In the seventh seminar, you were encouraged to make the choice to lead a devout life.
He was a fervent proponent of the universal call to holiness and spent much of his time guiding lay people on the road to sanctity. Too, the advice was so much more practical than what you find in a lot of spiritual works. All christians struggle to discern gods call on their life, but god does call all to live a christcentered life. Introduction to the devout life courage international, inc. Introduction to the devout life book lighthouse catholic media. Introduction to the devout life this masterpiece of christian literature by a 16thcentury priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. Can anyone recommend a translation of introduction to the devout life and treatise on the love of god. You aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to gods divine majesty. Publication date 20090531 usage public domain topics audiobook nonfiction, religion, spirituality. Counsels and practices suitable for the souls guidance from the first aspiration after a devout life to the point when it attains a confirmed resolution to follow the same. This edition has been retypeset using the text of the 1943 edition originally published by burns oates and washbourne, london, under the imprimatur of edm. The devout life, moreover, is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life. Introduction to the devout life dover publications. It is a book to make your guide for the rest of your.
We can glorify god in a secular world, and be a testimony to the world of gods abounding grace and love. Francis explicitly writes for people, especially women, who live. Easy to read, being laid out in short chapters, yet it is thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentlea mirror of its author. Instructions and exercises for conducting the soul from her first desire for a devout life till she is brought to a full resolution of embracing it. Looking for recommendations on translations for these st. Introduction to the devout life what true devotion is. Introduction to the devout life is one of the great religious and devotional masterpieces. This 17th century classic is a proven spiritual guide for living an authentic christian life. Written for christians in every walk of life and f. Francis is still helping to form saints through his many writings, of which introduction to the devout life. Can anyone recommend a translation of introduction to the. As bishop of geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, st. Over the last eight months, ive been blogging my way through st.
These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. Introduction to the devout life is a classic guide for lay people seeking to live a devout christian life. An introduction to the devout life is a book to be read with pencil in hand. The devout life teachings will help guide you on this journey. Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. It often happens that the lives and suggestions of some of the great saints are inspiring but leave those who are not living a vocation as a religious wondering how to best carry out their devotion. It enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both protestant and catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. Pdf introduction to the devout life download full pdf. For the pdf containing the complete text and footnotes click here. Written over 400 years ago, introduction to the devout life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. What did you love best about introduction to the devout life. This introduction contains nothing which has not already been written. This document has been generated from xsl extensible. Francis offers some powerful advice and help on how to immediately undertake a spiritual journey.
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