Salesian Literature

Salesian Views on

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Self-purification

 

We must begin with self-purification

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:5 The practice of self-purification cannot and should not come to an end as long as we live.  Therefore, let us not be disturbed by our imperfections, because our perfection consists in fighting them. 

 

Purifying ourselves from mortal sins

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:6 We must begin by making a purification from mortal sin and the means to realize it is the holy sacrament of Penance.  Look for the best confessor you can find.  Get hold of one of the booklets which have been composed to help people to make a good concession.

 

Purifying ourselves from attachment to mortal sin

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:7 As you desire to commit yourself to the devout life, you must not only turn away from sin but you must completely cut away from your heart every attachment connected with sin.  Otherwise, there is first of all the danger of falling back to sin.

 

The means to make the purification

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:8 The first motive for carrying out this second purification is a clear and forceful realization of the great harm that sin causes us.  By this means, we are led to a heartfelt and earnest contrition.  Contrition, as long as it is sincere, even if it is weak, cleanses us sufficiently from sin, especially when joined to the power of Sacraments.  So, when it is strong and earnest, it cleanses us from all the attachments connected with sin.

 

We must purify ourselves from attachment to venial sin

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:22 We can never be completely free from venial sins.  At least we cannot continue for long in such purity.  But we can well be free from every attachment to venial sins.

 

We must purify ourselves from attachment to useless and dangerous things

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:23 Games, dances, feasts, pompous celebration, plays are in no way evil in themselves.  Rather, they are indifferent since they can be used for good of evil.  Nevertheless, such things are dangerous, and to be fond of them makes them a greater danger.

 

We must purify ourselves from evil inclinations

Introduction to the Devout Life, 1:24 Besides the attachments just mentioned, Philothea, we have certain natural inclinations.  Since these do not have their source in our personal sins, they are not strictly sins, neither mortal nor venial.  They are called imperfections, and their acts are known as defects and shortcomings.

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