How to continue to live a devout life

St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life
PARTS 4 & 5

Group members:
Anthony, Linda, Ed and Woojung

Characteristically in Francis’ style of writing, we see once again in these final parts of the book, numerous aphorisms masterfully interwoven throughout the chapters that summarize his thoughts and teachings on how to CONTINUE to live a devout life.

The Fourth Part: The Counsels Required for Overcoming the More Common Temptations

Francis advises Philothea in her pursuit of holiness and presents it to her by describing the things that are opposed to the pursuit of holiness. He encourages her to choose that which is more attractive and leads to holiness. For example, instead of being overcome by sadness, One should have courage and patience; instead of giving into temptations, One should have courage, have great charity because of their love of God and instead of anxiety, One should remain faithful to prayer and the sacraments.

Francis de Sales is very shrewd in this regard, convincing Philothea (and ourselves), that the virtues are far more beautiful than their opposites. Think how beautiful humility is, he says, and how ugly pride is.

This is an interesting and effective approach; enticing and convincing Philothea that it is far better to persevere in practicing the virtues than submit to their vices.

The Fifth Part: The Exercises and Counsels to Renew Oneself and Confirm in Devotion,

Part 5 of the Introduction seems to be a summary and reinforcement of the entire book. He places a strong emphasis on the need to make a ‘deliberate decision’ to be able to live a devout life – “promise you’ll never take them (firm resolutions) back” (p.323). He also stresses the importance of renewing One’s deliberate decisions and provides her with appropriate exercises that help her examine her own life, her life in relationship to neighbour and in relationship to God. Finally, he provides five reflections for renewal that encourage and appeals to her, to remain faithful to her resolutions; “…make a thousand affirmations that you will be faithful to your resolutions” (P.323).

The final counsels; “(1) first day of every month renew your Firm Resolutions, (2) declare gently that you want to be devout and (3) I entreat you…continue and persevere in this happy venture of the devout life.” (p. 326 -327). These counsels are clearly reminding Philothea to remain faithful on her journey towards living a devout life. This advice comes at the very end of the book, which is really the beginning of Philothea’s journey (and our own) towards a devout life…a journey that is ongoing, for all who embark upon it.

Francis concludes with a solemn ending; VIVE JESUS (LIVE JESUS) – his favourite motto. This is the ultimate goal for the person who chooses to live a devout life. Francis ends by giving glory and honour, to God the Father, Son and Spirit; who is our source of strength and the reason for living a devout life.

Concluding reflection:

And now having been introduced to the devout life, the challenge left for us, is to take up the challenge of not just reading about the devout life, but rather, take up Francis’ invitation and try to live it ourselves!


Submitted by: Sr. Linda Cameron
Friday, 21st November 2008