Salesian Literature

St. Francis de Sales is not merely a Doctor of the Church, but also a director of souls. He teaches and he inspires.  He aims at making even the most abstract ideas clear and attractive; he is out to capture the hearts of his readers, not simply their minds. 

 

To this end he introduces examples drawn from every possible source: the Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the Theologians, the Councils, the Liturgy, the Mystics, the lives of Saints, the pagan classical authors, the world of nature.

   

Emphasis is laid upon keeping God continually before our eyes. 

In this way everything we do is done for God, because we love him

– charity in practice; everything we do gains in simplicity and order,

and we find the freedom of spirit which preserves us from formality,

from failing to see the wood for the trees.

 

Chapter after chapter all through the Love of God can be effectively used for meditation, providing pregnant thoughts, short prayers, acts of the will, practical resolutions. No wonder St. Vincent de Paul said of this book that “were everyone to give it the study it deserves, none should escape its fire.”

 

A Simpler and profound treatment on the Love of God…