An Introduction to the Devout Life

Overview

St. Francis de Sales’s An Introduction to the Devout Life is a perennial classic in Catholic spirituality that guides the faithful toward a life of true devotion to God lived in the ordinary cares of everyday life, written in the form of a personal letter addressed to “Philothea,” the lover of God, and rooted in the Church’s spiritual tradition. The work shows how to desire and resolve to live a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, how to cultivate Christian virtues, and how to find remedies against ordinary temptations, making it a practical, authoritative guide to holiness for readers in every state of life.

• Shows how every Catholic, in any state of life, can pursue holiness through true devotion to God
• Teaches practical principles of prayer, sacramental life, and interior recollection
• Explains the cultivation of virtues and remedies against ordinary temptations
• Offered in a gentle, pastoral style from a Doctor of the Church
• Recommended as a foundational guide for personal prayer and spiritual growth

FAQs

Q: Who was St. Francis de Sales?
A: He was a seventeenth‑century Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, known for his gentle pastoral teaching and spiritual direction that continues to nourish Catholic prayer and devotion.

Q: What topics are covered in this book?
A: It covers how to desire a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, the practice of key virtues, remedies against ordinary temptations, and confirmation in the practice of devotion.

Q: Is this suitable for today’s reader?
A: Yes, its clear and personal style makes it accessible to both beginners and seasoned Catholics seeking to deepen their prayer life and virtue.

Intended Audience

For Catholic individuals and families seeking a foundational guide to Christian holiness, for those desiring deeper prayer and virtue rooted in the Church’s tradition, and for parish or small group formation drawing on the wisdom of a Doctor of the Church.