From St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life
Translated by John K. Ryan, published by Image, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group,
Random House LLC, New York 1966
Since our dear saint once said, “We must never forget that our purpose is to be, not to have,” take time to savor these words from his work which offers practical ways of attaining the devout life.
“Thus too those who love God can never stop thinking about him, longing for him, aspiring to him, and speaking about him. If it were possible, they would engrave the holy, sacred name of Jesus on the breasts of all mankind” (89).
“St. Gregory, bishop of Nazianzus, told his people ( . . . ) weak souls let themselves be carried away, sometimes by affliction, sometimes by consolation, at the mercy of the tides and waves of fortune, while courageous souls stand firm and unmoved before storms of every kind” (88-89).
“The great St. Basil said that the rose among the thorns makes this objection to men: ‘O you mortal men, the most pleasant things in this world are mixed with sorrow. Nothing here is pure, grief follows joy, widowhood marriage, care fruitfulness, ignominy glory, expense honor, loathing delight, and sickness health. The rose is a beautiful flower, ( . . . ) yet it makes me very sorrowful since it reminds me of my sin, for which the earth has been condemned to bring forth thorns’” (91).
“So you see, Philothea, ( . . . ) we may extract good thoughts and holy aspirations from everything found amid the changes of this mortal life” (92).
[T]he sun of all spiritual exercises—the most holy, sacred, and supremely sovereign sacrament [is] the Mass, center of the Christian religion, heart of devotion, and soul of piety, the ineffable mystery that comprises within itself the deepest depths of divine charity, the mystery in which God really gives himself and gloriously communicates his graces and favors to us” (92).
“Prayer made in union with this divine sacrifice [of the Mass] has inestimable power, Philothea, so that by it the soul overflows with heavenly favors as if ‘leaning on her Beloved’” (93).
“Make every effort therefore to assist every day at Holy Mass so that together with the priest you may offer up the sacrifice of your Redeemer to God his Father for yourself and for the whole Church” (93).
“If some strict duty keeps you from being present in person at the celebration of this sovereign sacrifice, try at least to transport your heart to it and assist at Mass by your spiritual presence” (93).
“To hear Mass in a proper manner either actually or spiritually: (1) From the beginning until the priest goes up to the altar make your preparation with him ( . . . ) placing yourself in the presence of God, recognizing your unworthiness, and asking for pardon for your sins. (2) From the time [the priest] goes up to the altar until the Gospel consider our Lord’s coming and his life in this world by a simple, general consideration. (3) From the Gospel until after the Creed, consider our Savior’s preaching and affirm that you are resolved to live and die faithful and obedient to his holy word and in union with the holy Catholic Church. (4) From the Gospel to the Our Father apply your heart to the mysteries of the passion and death of our Redeemer. They are actually and essentially represented in this Holy Sacrifice. Together with the priest and the rest of the people you will offer them to God the Father for his honor and for your own salvation. (5) From the Our Father to communion strive to excite a thousand desires in your heart and ardently wish
to be joined and united forever to our Savior in everlasting love. (6) From the communion to the end of Mass give thanks to Jesus for his incarnation, life, passion, and death, and for the love he manifests in this Holy Sacrifice. Implore him always to be merciful to you, your parents, friends, and the whole Church. Humble yourself with all your heart and devoutly receive the blessing our
Lord gives you through the ministry of his minister” (93-94).
“[T]here is always more benefit and consolation to be derived from the public offices of the Church than from private particular acts. God has ordained that communion in prayer must always be preferred to every form of private prayer ( . . . ) God is more glorified by the union and contribution of our good works with those of our brethren and neighbors” (95).
“Honor, reverence, and respect with a special love the sacred and glorious Virgin Mary. She is the Mother of our sovereign [Savior] and consequently she is our own Mother in a special way. Let us run to her and like little children cast ourselves into her arms with perfect confidence. At every moment and on every occasion let us call on this dear Mother. Let us invoke her maternal love and by trying to imitate her virtues let us have true filial affection for her” (96).
