Seek and love God in the ordinary situations of life

An Introduction to the Devout Life
Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Group members: Matthew, Thomas, Fernando, Tresforte

The first eight chapters of the book demonstrated St Francis' simplicity and pastoral gifts. The chapters were striking in their accessibility and rich in analogy. The book was clearly intended for an average European Catholic believer, as is evidenced through various references to nature, references that would undoubtedly be understood by an average European Catholic believer. By employing these references, St Francis implores the reader to seek God, and love God, in their own (often ordinary) situation, whatever that may be. Therefore, the overall message of the book seems to be that holiness is attainable by everyone, no matter who they are or where they are in life.

Humble and down to earth

Group synopsis (Anthony, Woojun, and Melanio):

Already in the first eight chapters of the Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales reveals his down-to-earth ("humble") approach as a director of souls. He is simple, drawing examples from the everyday "stuff" of nature. Francis is also encouraging, as he emphasizes that holiness is attainable even to the ordinary person. He counsel is realistic and practical. For Francis advises patience in one's conversion, because -- unlike the immediate conversion of the likes of St. Paul and others -- conversion is a slow process much like the rising sun casting out darkness.

I hope this reflections the concision you were seeking for the synopsis.

Respectfully yours in Christ,

Melanio

Devout life: pleasant, happy and loveable

An Introduction to the Devout Life
Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Group members: Ed, Suwan, Bancha & Linda

In our group we shared and agreed that St. Francis writes in a conversational style that is both simple and personal for the reader. This simple use of language allows the ‘ordinary’ person to access his work; he introduces holiness as an option for everyone; he makes the distinction between charity and devotion; furthermore he emphasizes the importance of having a ‘good’ spiritual director and finally he informs us that we must begin with self-purification before we embark on this journey towards the devout life and that this should be ongoing.

All of us felt inspired and personally challenged to share the following with others; to try and adopt and promote this type of holiness with the young; advise others to seek spiritual direction as part of their lives; to challenge ourselves to begin this journey ourselves (self purification) and finally that we witness to the way of ‘holiness’ through a devout life as being “pleasant, happy and loveable”, as described by Francis himself.