The Consoling Thoughts of Saint Francis de Sales

by Francis de Sales

— A Classic — Includes Active Table of Contents — Includes Religious Illustrations

Everyone agrees in saying that the most common obstacle, and the one most difficult to be overcome, which all those meet who labor for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of pious souls, is want of confidence. The great evil that Jansenism wrought in the midst of us has not yet entirely disappeared: many still believe that perfection consists only in fearing the Lord and in trembling before Him, who, in His mercy, permits us to call Him Our Father, and to name Him the good God.

Aeterna Press

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Religion

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2013

About the author

Francis de Sales, C.O., T.O.M., A.O.F.M. Cap. (French: François de Sales; Italian: Francesco di Sales) was a Bishop of Geneva and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. His father sent him to a good school when he was young, and he received spiritual formation from the Jesuits. After a disturbing spiritual fear of being condemned, he eventually resolved his problem and decided to dedicate his life to God in 1587. He became a doctor of law at the age of 24 at the Jesuit College of Clermont, Paris, and was ordained a priest by Bishop Claude de Granier and stationed in Geneva in 1593. He became bishop of Geneva in 1602.

Francis de Sales is the author of various collections of sermons on Mary, Lent, prayer and Christmastide. He was known as a spiritually understanding man as well as a friend of the poor. Though known for his great intellect and theological wisdom, he spoke with simplicity and earnestness, so that all could understand. An Introduction to the Devout Life, his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. His feast is celebrated on January 24.

Reviews

[Galicius · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are excerpts mostly from St. Francis de Sales writing. I have already read St. Francis Introduction to the Devout Life and his Treatise on the Love of God. Much of this sounds familiar to what I read before but St. Francis wrote a great deal more so there is also new material that I have not seen before. The chapter below is an example and was memorable:

Book II, Chapter III
Conduct to be observed in interior trials. . . Not to fall into discouragement, remark:
1. God gives a foretaste of heavenly delights as an encouragement to follow him but
2. He withdraws these consolations away so we can learn to remain though we “eat dry bread” in the “midst of disgust and agitations.”
3. Great temptations can arise during this time but they are not from God and we must endure them patiently.
4. We should not lose courage. In happy days we should remember the unhappy and humbly fear in prosperity.
5. In heaven there will never be any winter but on earth it is required for the exercise of self denial and for the growth of virtues.
6. Telling a friend who can support us in our trouble is a good remedy.
God and the devil have very different views. God guides us to a purity of heart while the devil works to make us lose courage by our sufferings. The Saints themselves may fall into great melancholy. St. Francis de Assisi was attacked by a deep sadness for two years which humbly endured for two years until tranquility was restored to him in full.

[Victoria M Eluszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best spiritual books I have ever read in my entire life. After reading this, Saint Francis de Sales is high on the list of my favorite saints (he may as well be my favorite Saint). He is the patron Saint of Catholic writers, because his works were so well-written that he converted about 60,000 heretics to the Catholic faith.

The book contains four parts. If I remember correctly, the first part is about God's Providence, the second part is about God's infinite Mercy and Love, the third part is about dealing with temptation and spiritual and temporal hardships, and the fourth part is about death and eternity.

This work of Saint Francis de Sales is intended to teach us about living in this world the way God wants us to live, meaning performing His Will at all times, and about suffering trials and tribulations with patience and hope.

As a sufferer of the scruples, also known as the "sick conscience," reading this book consoled me in my battle against scrupulosity and strengthened my hope in God's infinite Love and Mercy, which not only do scrupulous souls need to know about, but also lax and lukewarm souls, because everyone needs to realize that God is a loving and merciful Father, who waits patiently for the Prodigal Son to return to His house.

I highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Becca McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read the hardcover, Sixth French Edition, not the kindle edition. This is truly a beautiful book, consoling indeed! The reader feels St Francis is speaking directly to them, a wise, loving friend.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Johannine spirit is at work here! We love our mystics ;)
That is, according to the classification that Bishop Barron mentions -- Petrine, Pauline and Johannine. Although I love also that he points out that these 3 major branches/ perspectives spring from Mary's yes to God. So this Marian spirit is, in a sense, the Ground of being.