This volume consists of letters of spiritual direction written by Francis de Sales (1567–1622) and Jane de Chantal (1572–1641) that reveal the richness of Salesian spirituality. The letters show the daily attempts of laity, clergy, cloistered religious, and others to live in the authentic spirit of Jesus. Today’s readers will benefit from this edition, containing instruction still useful for modern believers.
For a massive collection including over a hundred and twenty of the volumes in this series, see the Classics of Western Spirituality Bundle (126 vols.).
“affirmed that the will of God was to save all of humankind” (Page 21)
“Indifference should extend to the loving acceptance of whatever prayer to which one is drawn” (Page 51)
“discernment of and response to that will is not always a simple matter” (Page 40)
“Impulses that come from the evil spirit or from the human mind are very different: they are frightening, vehement, vacillating. The first thing they whisper to the agitated soul is not to listen to any advice, or if it does, to listen only to the advice of persons of little or no experience. These impulses urge us to hurry up and close a deal before having discussed the terms, and they are satisfied with a short prayer which serves as a pretext in deciding most important questions.” (Pages 130–131)
“painful, reality in which one lives; not only in the ‘how it should be’ but in ‘the way it” (Page 43)
Francis de Sales (August, 21 1567 – December 28, 1622) was a Bishop of Geneva and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He became noted for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation.