Books by Francis de Sales

First published in 1609 "An Introduction to the Devout Life" is Saint Francis de Sales work which belongs to the Christian tradition of "Lectio Divina" or "Divine Reading". Like Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" it is a work intended to provide guidance to the individual desiring spiritual direction in order to lead a more devout life. Based on a series of letters between Francis and his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, who as the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy was struggling with the distractions to faith associated with court life, "An Introduction to the Devout Life" was crafted from those original letters into a guide for a more general audience. Through five parts Francis discusses the aspiration to a devout life, the use of prayer and sacraments, the personal characteristics of virtue necessary to the devout life, the challenge of temptation and how to overcome it, and the practices for renewing and confirming the soul in devotion. An immensely popular work of Christian spirituality "An Introduction to the Devout Life" remains as relevant today as when it was first published. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

In this first-of-its-kind edition, Fr. John-Julian offers a fresh translation, a most thorough historical introduction, and notes explaining points of language and theology along the way.

Heavenly Love comes as a wound that is a gift of God. Francis de Sales's spiritual masterpiece, Treatise on the Love of God, was originally published in 1616 while he was Bishop of Geneva. This contemporary English edition preserves St. Francis's gentle prose, his enthusiasm for God, compassion, and good humor. For all spiritual pilgrims seeking comfort and guidance, this book offers the assurance that "e;a deep and satisfying prayer life is not only possible, but within the reach of anyone who will accept what God is forever offering."e;

For four hundred years this book has taught and inspired Christians. It provides step-by-step instructions in the form of a long letter addressed to Philothea, or one who loves God. The book teaches that anyone can live a life devoted to God, even while remaining in ordinary life. Contents include how to cultivate the desire for a devout life; the means of raising the soul to God by prayer and the sacraments; the practice of virtues; advice against temptations; and renewing the soul and confirming it in its devotion. Francois de Sales (1567-1622) was bishop of Geneva and an energetic evangelist in the Savoy region of his native France. The wisdom of St. Francis' advice is confirmed by the fact that the book's spiritual value has been proved in four centuries of Christian lives.

A timeless classic on spiritual growth