4 novembre 2005 - Hints for Confessors

Introduction to the Devout Life
First Part, chapters 19-24
English Speaking Group 1

(Bala, Jose, Virgilio)

In discussing the final portion of part one of the Devout Life, we were struck by the following elements:

•We found these chapters have a very encouraging tone because they clearly manifest the characteristic of St. Francis of Sales. For example, Francis did not judge dancing, playing, or going to the theatre as things that were bad in themselves. For Francis these activities are indifferent so they can be good or bad depending how they are presented or applied. For this we were saying that he did not take an extreme position on the subject of sin.

•These chapters speak about going to confession and about what takes place after confession. Our group found it is important to learn from Francis the pastoral guidance for what may take place after the confession of sins. As it turns out, everyone in our group is ordained, and so we discussed how we might apply what Francis says in our ministry of guidance. The first step (cited in the book) is to help people free themselves from affection for sin.

•All practices of devotion, particularly the resolution made at the end of meditation, should be simple, practical and concrete for daily life. This is the path of transformation.

•Francis emphasises the nearness of God and the depth of God’s love for us.

•Francis highlights the role of affection for or against the love of God and love of neighbour, and in the salvation of one's own soul.

For the English-speaking group.
Virgilio