An Introduction to the Devout Life

“You aim at true devotion, my dear Philothea, because, as a Christian, you know how acceptable it is to the Divine Majesty. But inasmuch as trifling errors at the outset of any undertaking are wont to increase rapidly as we advance, frequently becoming almost irreparable, it is needful that, first of all, you should ascertain wherein lies the virtue of devotion.” — St. Francis de Sales

The knowledgeable and holy Doctor of the Church writes in a way that is at once easy to read and suited to all readers, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind, and gentle. He guides us to the knowledge that we are all called to the devout life.

True devotion to God, as St. Francis de Sales points out, adorns every vocation. Additionally, St. Francis will explain that the devout life is a choice worthy for its own sake: “And our blessed Lord Himself assure[s] us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life.”

Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea (which means “lover of God”) this book covers all the parts of a devout life:

• Our desire to lead a devout life
• Our full resolution to do so
• How we should approach God in prayer and the Sacraments
• The practice of 16 important virtues
• Remedies against ordinary temptations
• And confirmation in our practice of devotion