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Introduction to the Devout Life – Ryan

John K. Ryan translation of the Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales.

The Introduction has been translated many times and into many languages, and never been out of print since it was first published in 1609.

It tries to convince the readers of their call to and true identity as being themselves, holy and beloved. Then the author proceeds to show you how to grow in that holiness in prayer, the practice of good (virtues), overcoming stumbling blocks, and renewing and reviewing your progress and determination. The human insight and wisdom of this literary genius has surprised people for generations.

This John K. Ryan translation first copyrighted in 1950 has been the scholarly standard by which all contemporary attempts have been compared, and the edition which new the attempts hope to exceed in making the thought of the great saint available to modern audiences. At Embraced by God library we have these translations of the work in stock available for purchase: 1) The John K. Ryan edition noted here; 2) the Indian msfs version translated by Mookenthottham, Nazareth and Kolencherry; and 3) the Fr. John-Julian, OJN complete annotated version.

Encountering Anew the Familiar: The Introduction to the Devout Life at 400 Years

The International Commission on Salesian Studies just published a hardbound book to mark the 400th anniversary of the Introduction to the Devout Life. Joe Chorpenning edited this collection of symposium papers delivered last year in Annecy. Titles include: Four Centuries of Editions of the Introduction to the Devout Life: Bibliographical Lessons; Viviane Mellinghoff-Bourgerie The Introduction to the Devout Life as Spiritual Classic; Wendy M. Wright The Introduction to the Devout Life, Spiritual Direction, and Oblate Formation; Lewis S. Fiorelli, O.S.F.S. “In Our Image and Likeness” (Genesis 1:26): Image-Making and Spiritual Formation in the Introduction to the Devout Life; Joseph E Chorpenning, O.S.F.S. “Chains of Love: The Eternity of Friendship in the Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales;” Daniel P. Wisniewski, O.S.F.S. Modern Adaptations of the Introduction to the Devout Life; Michel Tournade, O.S.F.S. Appendix: Homily at the Eucharistic Liturgy Closing the Symposium, “Encountering Anew the Familiar: The Introduction to the Devout Life at 400 Years;” Aldino Jose Kiesel, O.S.F.S.

The Classics Made Simple: An Introduction to the Devout Life

Perfect for parishes, schools, or simply a personal introduction to the TAN Classics, this booklet will provide you with a map and compass for navigating the best of Catholic writing! We hope this guide will stir within you a desire to read An introduction to the Devout life, or if you’ve already read it, to re-read it with a renewed interest. Give this little booklet a few minutes of your time and see what happens!

The Complete Introduction to the Devout Life

The Complete Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, New translation and commentary by Fr. John-Julian, OJN.

This Introduction is the newest of this classic in English from Paraclete Press. It is most notable as an inestimable value for the student of Christian spirituality, since the translation is on the right hand side of the book, while the left pages include explanatory notes and invaluable commentary. Those new to the text will learn like none before had the chance, and those already familiar with the text will find new insights, including things to agree with or not.

Paperback, 6” x 9”, 410 pages, a full inch thick.

Come to Me

***BRAND NEW FOR MAY 2020***

Come to Me

by John L. Graden, OSFS

Intended to be a pocket-sized contemporary re-imagining of the Introduction to the Devout Life of St. Francis de Sales.  This little work by Father Graden hopes to make many of the ideas from this spiritual classic more accessible to current readers with an updated content, style, and world view, as well as a preferred modern brevity.  52 pages.

Falling in Love with God

An Adaptation of the Introduction to the Devout Life

FIRST TIME IN ENGLISH!

French Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, Michel Tournade, writing originally in his native French, (Un Monde À Aimer) has ADOPTED the personal approach of his mentor and spiritual director, St. Francis de Sales, in writing to today’s young generation. He follows the thoughts of DeSales’ classic writing: Introduction to the Devout Life, which has never been out of print since its first publication in 1609. Tournade’s work has received great accolades in France, selling more than 40,000 copies. In very short chapters and with contemporary language and examples, it is personal, inviting, and challenging for those who desire a closer relationship with God.

Presented in clear, short bites, the young reader (or any reader for that matter) is likely to hear and feel the warmth of a dear old friend.

 

Also available as an E-Book in the Amazon Kindle Store. Click here to order now.

 

Letters to Francis de Sales: Mostly on Prayer

Letter to St. Francis de Sales: Mostly on Prayer by John F. Fink.

Paperback 4 x 7” , 146 pages.

Many people today are seeking ways in which to deepen their life of prayer and are turning to the classics such as the Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. The people for whom St. Francis wrote in the 17th century could never have imagined how difficult prayer could be for us caught up- in the hectic world of the 21st century. But in these 20 shoert chapters John Fink highlights those aspects of his teachings which have been especially helpful to him as a lay person in his life of prayer.

Topics include Conversation with God, Discursive Meditation, Contemplation, Liturgical Prayer, Prayers of Petition and Other forms of prayer including the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary, the Rosary, prayers to saints, prayers with psalms, scripture, discerning God’s will and difficulties in prayer. Conversational in tone, it is valuable for immediate practice based on its remarkable insights.