Philothea, or an Introduction to the Devout Life

St. Francis De Sales

ISBN 10: 0895555107 / ISBN 13: 9780895555106

Published by TAN Books and Publishers, 2009

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Synopsis:

This is a brand new translation of Introduction à la vie dévote. The last Catholic translation of significant worth appeared more than seventy years ago. Be careful when you read some versions of the work. A number of them were made by our separated brethren, who seem to have an aversion to the teachings of the Church. They gloss over or delete everywhere St. Francis mentions anything related to them. The most sincere among them do say that they have done so, but the greater number of them stay silent, and leave it up to the reader to find out whether or not their translations are faithful to the author’s intentions and the teachings of the Church. Some have even left out entire chapters. Henry Benedict Mackey, OSB, the best translator of a number of works of St. Francis, calls previous Catholic translations of the Introduction, “very imperfect as regards style.” He adds that the Anglican version is better, but that it “omits essential points of doctrine.” In this book, St. Francis de Sales uses a conversational tone to explain the most serious of subjects: a complete program leading to sanctified life, unfolding in easily assimilated stages, and developing logically one out of the other. The careful arrangement and inner balance of the subject matter is reflected in brief topical chapters divided into five parts. After an initial process of dedicating heart and soul to God, we learn how on to pray and make the best use of the Sacraments. Then follows the practice of virtues, and being on guard against temptations. Finally, St. Francis prods us to renew our resolutions to love God, and cheerfully go on with our lives. Along the way, he provides a wide variety of advice suitable for those who live in the practical world, are enamored of God, and who wish to lead a devout life. The appendix has further readings recommended by the author. For 400 years, this small book has been loved and admired everywhere, and has helped, as St. Francis wished, to make true piety known and practiced in every circumstance in life. He said that devotion, far from preventing us from doing our ordinary duties, helps us to perform them better, and that the care of one’s family is rendered easier; the love of husband and wife is increased; the service done by citizens becomes more faithful; and all occupations become pleasanter and more agreeable. When the book appeared, Henry IV, King of France, said that it was far beyond what he had expected, and his Queen, Maria de’ Medici, sent a copy studded with diamonds to James I of England, who is said to have always carried it on his person, and declared that it was rather the work of an Angel than that of a man.

About the Author: St. Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, was a priest from Annecy in the independent Duchy of Savoy, Bishop of Geneva, and founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. Living two generations after the Protestant schism at the turn of the 16th century, he is celebrated for his asceticism, prolific writing, tireless preaching, and teaching, and winning tens of thousands back to the one true Faith. In 1877, Pope Pius IX declared him Doctor of the Church, and dubbed him “Doctor of Charity.”

Bibliographic Details

Title: Philothea, or an Introduction to the Devout ...
Publisher: TAN Books and Publishers
Publication Date: 2009
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good