Salesian Literature

When publishing the Third Edition of the Introduction to the Devout Life in 1610, added St. Francis de Sales the following notice:

TO THE READER

This little book left my hand in the year 1608. In its second edition, several new chapters were added to it.  But three chapters which were in the first edition were left out by mistake. Since then, it has been printed without my knowledge many times. With each printing, the mistakes have increased.

Here it is now, corrected anew, and with all the chapters. It is still without references, since the learned do not need them and the others are not concerned about them. 

When I make use of the words of Scripture, it is not always to explain them. As they are more worthy of love and veneration, it is rather to explain what I mean through them.

If God hears my prayer, you will benefit greatly from this book and receive many blessings. 

​

>>  What they say about the “Philothea”… <<

“It is our desire that this book the Introduction to the Devout Life, as at one time it was in the hands of all, may now also be read by all.  In this way Christian piety will flourish everywhere, and the Church of God will rejoice at seeing sanctity common among her children.”

Pope Pius XI,  in his Encyclical Letter of 1922,  on the 3rd Centenary of the death of St. Francis de Sales.

“St. Francis de Sales discovered a language that is wonderfully appropriate… with a style that reveals both his spiritual life, experience and his deep knowledge of men.”

Pope John Paul II, in a homily at Annecy, France, on 7th October, 1986.

“On reading some chapters of this completely new translation of the Introduction, I was struck by the freshness and clarity given to the words of St. Francis de Sales.  We have now in English the complete text of this wonderful book with its original flavour, put in words more intelligible to readers of present times – It reads well and will surely attract many, especially lay-people, to make this masterpiece of spirituality their bedside book.”

Fr. Francis Moget msfs,  Fr. Moget is one of the MSFS French Missionaries.  He has served in India for more than 40 years.  He was for many years Professor of French.  After being Rector of the Scholasticate at Pune and of the junior seminary in Goa, he was till recently the Novice Master in the Maharashtra-Goa Province, India.

​

​

Back to Top