2 dicembre 2005 - Learn Virtue

The Introduction to the Devout Life
Part Third, Chapters 11-20

English-speaking Group 1
(Virgilio, Jose, Balaraju)

All of us studied about the virtues and aware of their values however Francis in his book tried to convince his beloved Filotea about the importance of virtue in her life. It is not enough to know but important to identify proper virtue for ones growth. All of us do not need the same virtue and the same time the values of virtues are varied in our personal life, as he compared with the salt and the sugar.

Other elements which struck each of us in this middle section of the Filotea are the following:

• The practices of virtues are the paths which one should take in order to reach ones perfection.
• Through the practice enable also to identify the concept of “true” and “false” virtues
• Particularly highlight the three important virtues: obedience for the heart, chastity for the body and poverty for the goods. Regards these virtues he adviced Filotea to take it serriously in his practice of virtues.
• Francis was very constant in presenting the truth of God from the begining and te language which he used very poweful because he had the art of expressing which very attractive to the people.

Pastoral applications:

• Francis de Sales in those time even now presenting to the society that the way to sanctity is for every body and the good news is that each of can become saints in our own place and vocation. The important thing is that each should always aware of God’s presence in his life.
• In the end Francis reminds every reader to “remember the itinerary in order that you can reach in the mind of God: discipline your HEART and its AFFECTIONS.”

For the English-speaking Group
Virgilio