Introduzione alla vita devota. Trattato dell'amor di Dio

by Francis de Sales, Francesco di Sales

Scritta prima nella forma di appunti con consigli e suggerimenti poi rielaborata e ripresentata, Introduzione alla vita devota (Filotea) è la prima opera che ha dato al laicato cattolico lineamenti per una spiritualità e un apostolato propri.

Frutto di lunghe meditazioni su alcuni autori di ascetica e mistica e della nascita dell'Ordine della Visitazione, fondato con Giovanna di Chantal, il Trattato si propone come nutrimento spirituale per le Visitandine. Capolavoro della spiritualità salesiana, opera di straordinario spessore teologico, filosofico e spirituale, si presenta come una lunga lettera indirizzata all'amico "Teotimo", tesa a presentare ad ogni uomo la sua vocazione essenziale: vivere è amare.

Genres: Catholic

718 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1608

About the author

Francis de Sales, C.O., T.O.M., A.O.F.M. Cap. (French: François de Sales; Italian: Francesco di Sales) was a Bishop of Geneva and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. His father sent him to a good school when he was young, and he received spiritual formation from the Jesuits. After a disturbing spiritual fear of being condemned, he eventually resolved his problem and decided to dedicate his life to God in 1587. He became a doctor of law at the age of 24 at the Jesuit College of Clermont, Paris, and was ordained a priest by Bishop Claude de Granier and stationed in Geneva in 1593. He became bishop of Geneva in 1602.

Francis de Sales is the author of various collections of sermons on Mary, Lent, prayer and Christmastide. He was known as a spiritually understanding man as well as a friend of the poor. Though known for his great intellect and theological wisdom, he spoke with simplicity and earnestness, so that all could understand. An Introduction to the Devout Life, his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. His feast is celebrated on January 24.

Reviews

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Francis de Sales wrote this book in 1608 but the counsels provided here to grow in devout life are relevant even in the 21st century.
He covers everything from things that enable and hinder us from growing in devotion to the necessity of sacraments, prayer, how to deal with dryness in prayer, how to exercise virtues etc. He also writes about how recreation is important but outlines those that can be harmful to our everyday life and how to recognise those.
I especially found relevant the section where he describes and helps understand desire. The counsels for married and single people was an eye opener.
There’s so much that this book deals with that I know I have to keep referring my notes and keep rereading the book to have his counsels in ready memory.