Philothea or An Introduction to the Devout Life

Written by Francis de Sales

Narrated by Kevin O'Brien

As no sensible person would make a long road trip without first consulting a map, so the person intent upon gaining Heaven should first resort to a competent guide to reach that Goal of all goals. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Doctor of the Church. It is at once easy to read, being laid out in short chapters, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentle - a mirror of its author. It is a book, moreover, for all, because all are called to the devout life. True devotion to God, the author points out, adorns every vocation. The devout life, moreover, is a lovely, pleasant, and happy life.

Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea, the lover of God which genuinely represents the reader, the book covers: from our first desire to lead a devout life to our full resolution to do so, how we should approach God in prayer and the Sacraments, the practice of 16 important virtues, remedies against ordinary temptations, and becoming confirmed in our practice of devotion. St. Francis says, Devotion is spiritual agility and vivacity, by means of which charity works in us, or we in her, with love and readiness; and as charity leads us to obey and fulfill all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to obey them with promptitude and diligence.

An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be read again and again. It is a book to make your guide for the rest of your life. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. Alone, its 10 brief meditations in Part I will orient you toward God for the rest of your life. No one will come away without being profoundly impressed and without being motivated to enter upon the devout life . . . which leads ultimately to God and to Heaven.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TAN Books
• Release date: Aug 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781505101294

Francis de Sales

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in France to a wealthy family. Though he initially followed his father's direction and became a lawyer, he was drawn to the priesthood, and became the Bishop of Geneva in 1602. Francis was a spellbinding preacher, and a kind and gentle friend to all. His immensely popular writings clarified Catholic teachings in an era of bitter and confusing rivalry between Catholics and Protestants. His Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God introduced lay people to spiritual direction and spiritual formation. Francis became a saint in 1665, and a Doctor of the Church in 1877.  

Reviews for Philothea or An Introduction to the Devout Life

[Nicholas Dewey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic that must be listened to a few times to absorb .

Great narration by Kevin as always.

[GILBERT MICHELINI · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This should be a required book for every Christian. He presents an excellent method of how list of how to live the worthy life Saint Paul talks about