Immaculata Library

Introduction to the Devout Life

Or, Philothea

By St. Francis de Sales

Thorough instructions on living a holy and sinless life in practically every state of life. Often used for spiritual direction by those who have no spiritual directors.

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An Introduction to the Devout Life.pdf

Posts about this book:

St. Francis de Sales on Modesty Apr 8, 2020
In St. Francis de Sales’ book “Introduction to the Devout Life” chapter 25 (page 171 in linked e-book), titled “Decency in Attire”, he writes:
St. Francis de Sales on Holy Books Apr 8, 2020
In Introduction to the Devout Life (page 77), Chapter 17: “How we ought to hear and read the Word of God”, the saint explains the necessity of holy reading:

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New book descriptions have been added Jul 6, 2020
The Interior Castle, by St. Teresa of Avila:
True Devotion to Mary, first pages Apr 25, 2020
In this wonderful book, St. Louis de Montfort starts out by describing, in very strong words, the blessings of Our Lady:
The Blessed Virgin on Holy Communion Apr 23, 2020
The Blessed Virgin Mary describes the sentiments of her Immaculate Heart as she received Jesus in the very first Holy Communion during the Last Supper, and instructs us on how we should strive receive Jesus in this most holy Sacrament:
The Birth of Jesus Apr 18, 2020
The Mystical City of God describes Jesus as passing through Mary as light passes through a crystal shrine and fills it with light:
Thoughts on the Last Judgment Apr 16, 2020
One of the many things the Sinner’s Guide contains is an excellent treatise on the Four Last Things. Here is a small excerpt from its chapter on the third of the Four Last Things, the Last Judgment:
Eucharist Homily Apr 15, 2020
This homily from today’s Mass in Marytown was particularly good. It reminded me a lot of what Fulton Sheen said, that we need to have more devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and a better understanding of Holy Communion. The priest went into an explanation of a supposed apparition that coincided with Vatican II. He explained that a lot of decrease in Catholic attendance is due to a lack of belief in the True Presence, and that one thing we could do is revive the 40 Hours devotion.
Perfect Obedience Apr 13, 2020
Saints have always recommended that obedience be done not only in orders but in judgment. The Blessed Virgin Mary revealed to Mary of Agreda how to practice a union of these two:
The Mystical City of God concerning St. Paul Apr 12, 2020
The devil tempts the people who he sees are more active in fulfilling God’s plan. He wants to use their virtues to actively go against the Church and God’s plans as he did with Saul.
True success Apr 11, 2020
At the end of chapter 20 of The Spiritual Combat there is a useful perspective on what true success really is:
The Scourging as Revealed to Mary of Agreda Apr 10, 2020
About 500 years ago, Venerable Mary of Agreda was given a special knowledge of the hidden details of the lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This falls under “private revelation” and is not required to be believed, so if you do not find it beneficial to your spiritual life, feel free to ignore anything you read here. That said, this book has been recommended by Popes and approved by the Spanish Inquisition. In chapter 20 of the Transfixion volume, page 603, Mary of Agreda writes of the Scourging in great detail:
See how the devil treated Job? Apr 9, 2020
In chapter 10, “The tenth motive for practising virtue: the thought of Hell, the fourth of the Four Last Things”, on page 115:
St. Francis de Sales on Modesty Apr 8, 2020
In St. Francis de Sales’ book “Introduction to the Devout Life” chapter 25 (page 171 in linked e-book), titled “Decency in Attire”, he writes:
St. Francis de Sales on Holy Books Apr 8, 2020
In Introduction to the Devout Life (page 77), Chapter 17: “How we ought to hear and read the Word of God”, the saint explains the necessity of holy reading:
Against abusing God's Mercy Apr 7, 2020
The Sinner’s Guide has a chapter titled “Of Those Who Continue in Sin, Trusting in the Mercy of God” which starts off saying: