Introduction to the Devout Life
Encyclopedia
Introduction to the Devout Life (Introduction à la vie dévote) was written by St. Francis de Sales
, the first edition being published in 1609. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. 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. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina
("divine reading"), based on the Christian
monastic practice of spiritual reading. Like the more popular and universal The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition [as by its inclusion in the online Christian Classics Ethereal Library and many other such collections] and more specifically, the Roman Catholic sense, because of its reference to the necessity of sacraments as a means of obtaining grace and growing in virtue.
Unlike many other writings in this category, it is distinguished by addressing itself to all Christians in any state of life, rather to just those who have been called to a religious vocation
. This is because the text of the work began in 1602 as a series of letters addressed to Mme. de Charmoisy, whom Francis addresses as Philothea ("Lover of God"). The correspondence began when de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy, confided to Francis her desire for piety amidst the struggles and distractions associated with the courtly life.
The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey.
Francis de Sales
Francis de Sales was Bishop of Geneva and is a Roman Catholic saint. He worked to convert Protestants back to Catholicism, and was an accomplished preacher...
, the first edition being published in 1609. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. It enjoyed wide popularity, and was well-received in both Protestant and Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina
Lectio Divina
In Christianity, Lectio Divina is a traditional Catholic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's Word...
("divine reading"), based on the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
monastic practice of spiritual reading. Like the more popular and universal The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis was a late Medieval Catholic monk and the probable author of The Imitation of Christ, which is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His name means, "Thomas of Kempen", his home town and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen...
, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition [as by its inclusion in the online Christian Classics Ethereal Library and many other such collections] and more specifically, the Roman Catholic sense, because of its reference to the necessity of sacraments as a means of obtaining grace and growing in virtue.
Unlike many other writings in this category, it is distinguished by addressing itself to all Christians in any state of life, rather to just those who have been called to a religious vocation
Vocation
A vocation , is a term for an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.-Senses:...
. This is because the text of the work began in 1602 as a series of letters addressed to Mme. de Charmoisy, whom Francis addresses as Philothea ("Lover of God"). The correspondence began when de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy, confided to Francis her desire for piety amidst the struggles and distractions associated with the courtly life.
The "Introduction" is composed of five parts or "books", each pertaining to a stage in the Christian's spiritual journey.