Wisdom from the Lives and Letters of St Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal

by Louise Perrotta

Live Jesus! Was the motto of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. As they did for so many others, these master spiritual directors can guide you gently and lovingly to Jesus, so that he can reign in your own heart. On a host of subjects—whether it be how to trust in God, accept your imperfections, deal with temptations, or serve others with love—these saints provide timeless, inspirational advice.

Genres: Catholic, Book Club, Faith, Nonfiction, Spirituality

Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book club read that will
Stay on the read again shelf. Partially because I read it the wrong way. This is not a book to read by a certain day, but more of a devotional to digest and reflect on one at a time.

The two saints are not among the “most popular” of catholic saints, but both left behind a prolific amount of writing And letters. I should have read with my highlighter, but alas , next time.

Good nuggets of wisdom with a lot focused on everyday living.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe one of the best books written by the saints that I have read. If you are new to Catholicism or are exploring the faith...highly recommend. So easy to understand, and St. Francis de Sales is a beautiful writer. I'm buying this for everybody!

[Jenny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book and organized very nicely. A great devotional for a little reading everyday. It was nice to hear both saints on topics. A great introduction to their writings.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly found this book after googling to see if there were any books about both St Francis de Sales and St Jane de Chantal and gosh this was such an incredible find. The book is organized thematically with excerpts from their writings and ends up reading like a devotional. They are simple, challenging, beautiful, and thought provoking. Both saints are clearly so taken by God and desiring of holiness, while also down-to-earth and acknowledging of the day-to-day circumstances that we are all seeking holiness within.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! A collection of pieces of letters from these two saints, it is full of practical advice in small, easily read chunks. I have thoroughly enjoyed having it as my Advent morning devotional.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for WRM. These letters were written in the 16th century by a priest and a nun. Simply written and surprisingly relevant to the modern world, with themes including perfectionism and anxiety.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for the Well Read Mom book group. It is a short compilation of letters written by St Francis de Sales and St Jane de Chantal. They were born in the late 16th century, and yet the wisdom in these letters are applicable to our lives today.

St Francis de Sales was a priest and spiritual director for St Jane de Chantal. St Jane was a wife and mother. After here husband was killed in battle and here children were older, she became a nun.

[Jonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to reframe my perspective on this a couple of times and consider the time these two souls were alive. Once I did that, I loved this compilation of writings. Good reminders of how to live my vocation fully and the importance of living humbly and graciously daily, even when it goes against the messages wfrom the rest of the world.

[Ashleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm done with this book though I didn't complete it. Nope nope nope. A big guilt trip, a dose of suck it up and do so joyfully or you don't love God, all suffering is good, and the actual quote from st. Jane "have no fear of losing your mind thru the violence of your pain, for God knows your capacity. He will not allow more than you can bear." Also, reflect on the saints and all the horrible things they had to do, worse than anything you're going thru in your vocation. Suck it up and don't ever seek to change your station. Too much counter Reformation and accept your lot for me.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t always look forward to some of our book club choices, and I’m not a huge fan of essays and letters. But this little gem surprised and delighted me enough for me to go and buy my own copy! These four hundred year old reflections were insightful, incisive and challenging but also full of hope for spiritual growth. It’s a great translation, easy to read and it certainly provided plenty of deep and thoughtful discussion our book club.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely introduction to the writings of St. Francis de Sales! And I had never heard of St. Jane de Chantal before this book. To read encouragement from someone who has been through the trenches of motherhood, found her way into a religious community, and eventually to sainthood was wonderful and so relevant to my own life and journey. This was a nice advent and Christmas read.

[Annie Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an uber exciting book, but there were definitely gems in here. Some saints don't seem relatable at all, but St. Francis & St. Jane come across as saints one could get coffee with and find themselves understood.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was humbling to think that advice directed at noblewomen from the time of St. Francis de Sales is so applicable to suburban ladies of the 21st century, but, well, here we are! A helpful collection of practical insights from these ever-pragmatic saints.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly practical yet deep collection of letters from two great Saints who understood humanity superbly. I come back to this one often for wise reminders and encouragement, especially from the sections on battling fear and practicing patience with self.

[Becca Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

the gentlest gut punch you'll ever read...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that needs revisiting over a lifetime to extract all the wisdom it has to teach us. Shows that Saints were real people too.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it too fast. This is one to go over slowly, copying passages of along the way. Outstanding lessons for living that feel current and more useful than any modern self help could offer.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought me great focus and peace in the midst of the covid pandemic

[Elizabeth Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Will continue to read for years to come.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

[Candice Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves this book so much! So many great things to ponder from each saint. One book that you keep on thr shelf and can pull out multiple times

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book you need to keep nearby, and revisit often.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful, powerful book written in language that makes it very readable.

[Liesl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short little book that is packed full of practical wisdom from St Francis de Sales and St Jane de Chantal.

[Barbara Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically spiritual direction offered in letter format. A treasure.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me to “leave the doing to God” and to thank God for the grace of the present moment.