Learning the Devout Life

Books

  • Introduction to the Devout Life: Or, Philothea
    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.
  • The Spiritual Combat
    Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
    Highly recommended by St. Francis de Sales who read bits of it every day for almost 20 years, this book uncovers many finer points and subtle dangers of the spiritual life. With a specialty on conquering your vices, it gives five distinct methods. Quite structured.
  • The Interior Castle
    St. Teresa of Avila
    A very theological course in devotion as 'mansions'. It gives instruction on many topics all around spiritual converse with God, with instruction on discernment of inspirations/revelations. Very good for nuns, fairly good for contemplative religious, and also good for lay people.
  • Light and Peace
    Fr. Quadrupani
    This book could be considered an update to Introduction to the Devout Life, being written in the same style and spirit, but for more modern times. Very encouraging and instructive.
  • Young Man's Guide
    Fr. Lasance
    A friendly discourse on life, and how to keep virtues in the midst of a corrupted world. Very great for youth, and explains everything from belief in God and self-control to vocation discernment.
  • Catholic Girls Guide
    Fr. Lasance
  • The Christian Mother
    Rev. W. Cramer
  • Letters to Persons in the World
    St. Francis de Sales
    Letters written by the bishop of Geneva to various people on various points of practical holiness in everyday life. Could very well be considered a companion to Introduction to the Devout Life.
  • The Catholic Church Alone
    Rev. Henry Dodridge, D. D., Rev. Henry Edward Manning, D.D., Rev. F. Lewis, of Granada, Rev. Stephen Keenan, Rev. Bernard Vaughan, S. J., Rev. Thomas N. Burke, O. P.

Related Posts

  • 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:
  • 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: