Pudentiana Deacon: Printed Writings 1500–1640: Series I, Part Three, Volume 4

by Francis de Sales

Pudentiana Deacon, we learn in the introduction to this facsimile, was a Benedictine nun in the 17th-century English convent at Cambrai. This facsimile reproduces her translation of Les vrays entretiens spirituels by Francis de Sales. The audience for this text will be those interested in women's and religious history of the 17th century in Europe. The introduction includes a list of references; there is no index. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

368 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2003

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.