Author Spotlight
Francis De Sales
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born into a privileged family and studied law before abandoning his prospects for the religious life. He was appointed Provost of Geneva, a center of Calvinism. With his quick mind and the persuasive pamphlets that he wrote, he converted thousands to Catholicism, and at thirty-five became Bishop of Geneva. Besides his well-known books, Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God, he carried on a vast correspondence. He was canonized in 1665 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1877.
Authentic Devotion
A Modern Interpretation of Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales
Written by Francis De Sales
Edited by Bernard Bangley
Centuries ago, Francis de Sales–bishop of Geneva during the lifetime of many first generation Protestant Calvinists–wrote about the importance of having a spiritual director. Yet he later told his biographer such a person “would be difficult to find,” suggesting that in these circumstances, ...read more
Introduction to the Devout Life
Written by Francis De Sales and John K. Ryan
Francis de Sales’s Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the sevenjteenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants ...read more



