A Balm and a Battle: Live the Devout Life

St. Luke’s parishioners took on a lay mission to Live the Devout Life this winter. From January to April, parishioners met weekly to read, ponder, and discuss St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life, his instructions on how to live a devout Christian life in the midst of daily life. This text, the first Catholic spiritual work written for the laity, gave us a present-day opportunity to receive spiritual guidance from St. Francis de Sales.

St. Francis de Sales was a French Catholic bishop, theologian, and writer who lived from 1567 to 1622. Born into nobility in the Duchy of Savoy, he began his missionary work in the Calvinist region of Chablais. He fought with the weapons of the spirit and won many back to the Catholic faith through patient and compassionate teaching. Appointed Bishop of Geneva, he focused on reforming the clergy and promoting lay spirituality. His writings, especially Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God, made spiritual growth accessible to all, emphasizing love, humility, and devotion in everyday life. He was canonized in 1665 and later named a Doctor of the Church. He is the patron saint of writers and journalists.

Our St. Luke’s study of his works was enriched by the Catholic Classics podcast featuring Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine, who gave contemporary reflections on this 500-year-old spiritual self-help book. While much of the spiritual life remains the same, language and social context have shifted. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob helped contextualize the text. From St. Luke’s, Fr. Derek was a continued help in providing clarity on Church teachings and linking St. Francis de Sales to other theological leaders we have studied, such as St. Augustine.

Our group enjoyed lively conversation in which we questioned, debated, and reflected. For some, the book study was a place to reflect on daily faith and dive deeper into how faith finds its way into the ordinary. We listened as St. Francis asked how and whether our personal relationships reflect our faith in Christ. We discussed the process of discerning which friendships are worth nurturing—and how to make those decisions through faith and prayer.

He gave specific meditations for prayer that can be used, including an examination of conscience. In other chapters, discussions became livelier as the group grappled with his advice as applied to women in today’s culture. Having decided that we do not have to worry too much about the dangers of attending balls (fancy dances), we translated those concerns into present-day issues like screen time, media content, and the temptation to road rage.

One member shared that the book study had drawn her back to the sacraments—especially Reconciliation—taught her to pray in small segments throughout the day, deal with dryness in prayer, explore what her idols are, and remember that she belongs to the Lord and all she has is a gift from God (Totus Tuus). Another participant said that at times the text felt like an impossible ideal—until the end, when St. Francis spoke of God’s grace and the beauty of the faith. Many felt they needed the summer to revisit the book and take more time to ponder and integrate its spiritual advice.

While the details of daily life have changed significantly over the past 500 years, the deeper challenges of the devout life have not. St. Francis de Sales’ words still have value for all of us “Philotheos”, lovers of God.

If you are looking for some practical and challenging advice on how to follow Christ in daily life, you may enjoy Introduction to the Devout Life. Ascension Press’ podcast makes this text accessible by reading it aloud and offering contemporary commentary.

Here is an outline of the 5-part structure:

• Part 1: On the Counsel and Exercises: Step-by-step how to:
  • Ridding ourselves of the desire to sin: mortal and venial
  • Meditations
  • These practices are meant to take a weak desire for holiness and make them into a strong desire and ability to seek holiness
• Part 2: Instructions for elevating the soul to God through prayer and the sacraments: How to Pray, Worship, and receive Sacraments
• Part 3: Certain Counsels for the Practice of Virtues: How to practice individual virtues
• Part 4: Necessary Counsels Concerning Temptations that occur frequently in the Christian Life: Solutions to spiritual stumbling blocks
• Part 5: Exercises and Counsels for renewing the Soul and strengthening her Devotion: Annual Review

Most of us won’t really get the book the first read-through because there is so much that needs to percolate over time. Don’t be discouraged, this is meant to be a guide used over time, not a project to be completed in twelve weeks. Be patient and hopeful with yourself. The book can evoke hope, sadness, anger, confusion, peace, connection, and other emotions as we struggle to listen, understand, and evaluate St. Francis’ guidance while exploring our inner spiritual life.
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Like any authentic spiritual journey, it is both a balm and a battle.

When the Holy Spirit chooses the right time, this book will be placed in your hands.
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All the best in your endeavours, dear Philothea.

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​Written by Monica Horsman, member of St. Luke's Seat of Wisdom Legion of Mary, parishioner of St. Luke's Parish in Calgary. Photos: Participants of Book Study (evening & afternoon groups), courtesy of Monica Horsman.