Committed Life: An Adaptation of The Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales

by William A. Meninger, Francis de Sales

A masterful updating of a classic work.St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), bishop of Geneva and founder of the Visitation Order of nuns, was renowned for his teachings on spirituality. His masterpiece in the field of spiritual literature was "The Introduction to the Devout Life." Revolutionary in its day and noted for its charm, warmth, and clarity of language, it set forth a spirituality oriented toward life in the world, an approach quite different from that of St. Francis de Sales's contemporaries,who saw spiritual perfection as possible only in religious life.While the message of "The Introduction to Devout Life" is still valid today, the fact is that its expression is quite dated. In this book, as in "Bringing 'The Imitation of Christ' Into the 21st Cemtury," Father Meninger is not offering a new translation or paraphrase of a spiritual classic. Rather, he is attempting to express the teachings of the original in a wholly contemporary idiom. Father Meninger has not hesitated to change, omit, or add to the original where necessary, the better to highlight the heart and charisma of St. Francis de Sales's teachings.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relevant, current morality helps written by a monk based upon the writings of St. Francis de Sales.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not something someone picks up for light reading, this book is, as the title states, an adaptation of the work of St. Francis De Sales, a Tappist French monk from a long long time ago. Menninger, the adaptor is a Beniticien monk who adhears to the strickest letter of the law. That explains it's emphisis on the importance of rules. This book, like the orginal work, is a "how to" for Catholics. It assumes a Catholic audiance and as such there is a lot in there that I skiped over. However, if one reads it closely enough there are some good points to that can be extrapilated from it. I think the overall theme of the book is worth reading it for. The idea that our lives should be dictated by what we say we believe, and not by our own selfish goals I think is real center of the whole thing. You can take or leave each rule as it applies to you and your life, but the central message is there, and Menninger is challenging us to take this on.

"Don't through the baby out with the bath water" is something we were cautioned in our group discussion of this book. I have to agree. It is something that one can dive into and take away new insights with every fresh reading. I will probably turn to this again in the future.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic of spiritual reading, from *the* spiritual director, the bishop of Geneva, Francis de Sales. An unbelievably holy man from his earliest days, Francis as bishop was a tireless defender of the Church and preacher against heretical doctrine. But his manner was self-affirmedly gentle. The Catholic faith is not a matter of persuasion.



In this excellent book, Francis has presented a series of letters to a soul on true devotion, Christian meditation and the problems that can be encountered by a soul. *Along* with solutions, for he was a practical man. No mysticism here, Francis has his feet on the ground.



Among the gems in the book are a recommended step-by-step formula for Christian meditation, the composition on true friendship and the dangers that can be encountered in friendships. There are amusing parts as well, as for example the section on forbidden games and pastimes. But the arguments are sound even there.



Well recommended for daily reading. This is far better than the more popular classic, the Imitation of Christ.

[Emerson John Tiu Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

....This simplified version of the book of St. Francis de Sales.. written by William Meninger is a very good book that answer most aspects of our lives andd how we should commit ourselves to the Lord.... I highly recommend this book....