An Introduction to the Devout Life: Philothea (Deluxe Edition)

"You aim at true devotion, my dear Philothea, because, as a Christian, you know how acceptable it is to the Divine Majesty. But inasmuch as trifling errors at the outset of any undertaking are wont to increase rapidly as we advance, frequently becoming almost irreparable, it is needful that, first of all, you should ascertain wherein lies the virtue of devotion." --Saint Francis de Sales Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but how many of us actually know how to get there? We created the finest edition of this book to complement the timeless and essential wisdom contained in the pastoral heart of this great saint. With a deluxe leatherette hardcover, a satin ribbon, golden gilded edges, reinforced sides for longevity, smyth-sewn binding, and gold foil, this edition of Introduction to the Devout Life will both give you the spiritual direction you need and beautify your home. Learn from the writings of Saint Francis de Sales, the Doctor of Charity, on this very matter in his work that specifically addresses this most important question. The knowledgeable and holy Doctor of the Church writes in a way that is at once easy to read and suited to all readers, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind, and gentle. He guides us to the knowledge that we are all called to the devout life. True devotion to God, as Saint Francis de Sales points out, adorns every vocation. Additionally, Saint Francis will explain that the devout life is a choice worthy for its own sake: "And our blessed Lord Himself assure[s] us that a devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life." Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea (which means "lover of God") this book covers all the parts of a devout life:

- Our desire to lead a devout life - Our full resolution to do so - How we should approach God in prayer and the sacraments - The practice of sixteen important virtues - Remedies against ordinary temptations - And confirmation in our practice of devotion With this essential copy of the Introduction to the Devout Life from the TAN Classics Deluxe Set, you will be prepared for any struggle in your life. From minor everyday worries to the larger concerns of your vocation and your Christian duties, Saint Francis de Sales's perennial work will be your guide to sainthood.

St. Francis de Sales was born in 1567 to Francois and Francoise de Boisy in what is currently Haute-Savoie, France. His father sent him to a good school when he was young, and he received spiritual formation from the Jesuits. After a disturbing spiritual fear of being condemned, he eventually resolved his problem and decided to dedicate his life to God in 1587. He became a doctor of law at the age of 24 at the Jesuit College of Clermont, Paris, and was ordained a priest by Bishop Claude de Granier and stationed in Geneva in 1593. He became bishop of Geneva in 1602.

Francis de Sales is the author of various collections of sermons on Mary, Lent, prayer and Christmastide, as well as a work entitled Set Your Heart Free, edited by John Kirvan. He was known as a spiritually understanding man as well as a friend of the poor. Though known for his great intellect and theological wisdom, he spoke with simplicity and earnestness, so that all could understand. An Introduction to the Devout Life , his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life. He died in 1622 on December 28, and was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. His feast is celebrated on January 24.