Salesian Literature

LETTERS OF SFS

​

Angelique Arnauld

 

Angélique Arnauld is perhaps the most widely known of Francis’s directees – known in history for events and associations which occurred well after her friendship with Francis de Sales.  Their contacts began in April 1619, when Francis, staying in Paris, was invited to Maubuisson, a sister foundation of Port Royal, and the second monastery which Angélique, at the time only twenty-seven, was beginning to reform.  An immediate and mutual rapport arose between them. It was nourished by visits of Francis the following June and August, and by letters exchanged over the next three years.  Such was her attraction for Francis’s spirituality and Mother de Chantal’s direction that Angélique applied to Rome for permission to transfer to the Visitation.  This possibility, encouraged by Jane but never positively endorsed by Francis, was blocked by the Roman authorities.  In Francis’s letter to Angélique we find his accustomed warmth, insight, firmness and patience – along with some subtle indications that this friend was not understanding him as well as most.  Her later association with M. de Saint-Cyran and the Jansenists led her in a very different direction than that suggested by these letters.

 

Spiritual Directors

Method of Prayer

Desire to belong to God alone

Getting rid of distractions

 

​

Back to Top

​