{"num_reviews":15,"add_this":[{"service":"facebook","annotation":""},{"service":"email","annotation":""},{"service":"twitter","annotation":""},{"service":"linkedin","annotation":""}],"gtin":null,"show_quantity_on_backorder":true,"id":1261,"can_purchase":true,"meta_description":"Read An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, a Catholic book from TAN","category":["Books","New & Popular/Editor's Choice","Books/Topic/Saints & Sainthood","Books/Topic/Spiritual Direction","Books/Collections/TAN Classics"],"AddThisServiceButtonMeta":"","main_image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1261/16473/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life__40166.1767902774.jpg?c=1","alt":"Cover of the book An Introduction to the Devout Life "},"add_to_wishlist_url":"/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=1261","custom_fields":[{"id":"55018","name":"Author","value":"St. Francis de Sales"},{"id":"55019","name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":"55020","name":"Pages","value":"360"},{"id":"55021","name":"Publication Date","value":"7/1/1994"},{"id":"55022","name":"Product Format","value":"Paperbound"},{"id":"55023","name":"Pdf","value":"https://tanbooks.com/content/TC1253_Preview.pdf"},{"id":"60878","name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":"60884","name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":"60888","name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":"60891","name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":"60893","name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":"60895","name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"sku":"TC1253","backorder_availability_prompt":"More available for backorder","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life/","description":"<style>\n /* Scoped to only this description box */\n #tan-product-description h2,\n #tan-product-description h3 {\n font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif !important;\n color: #870000 !important;\n }\n </style>\n<section id=\"tan-product-description\" style=\"font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; color: #262626;\"><!-- Title -->\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 2.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\">An Introduction to the Devout Life</h2>\n<!-- Author/Publisher -->\n<p style=\"margin: .25rem 0; font-size: .9rem; color: #555;\">By St. Francis de Sales · Published by TAN Books</p>\n<!-- Overview -->\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Overview</h3>\n<p>St. Francis de Sales’s <em>An Introduction to the Devout Life</em> is a perennial classic in Catholic spirituality that guides the faithful toward a life of true devotion to God lived in the ordinary cares of everyday life, written in the form of a personal letter addressed to “Philothea,” the lover of God, and rooted in the Church’s spiritual tradition. The work shows how to desire and resolve to live a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, how to cultivate Christian virtues, and how to find remedies against ordinary temptations, making it a practical, authoritative guide to holiness for readers in every state of life.</p>\n<!-- Conversion Bullets -->\n<ul style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li>Shows how every Catholic, in any state of life, can pursue holiness through true devotion to God</li>\n<li>Teaches practical principles of prayer, sacramental life, and interior recollection</li>\n<li>Explains the cultivation of virtues and remedies against ordinary temptations</li>\n<li>Offered in a gentle, pastoral style from a Doctor of the Church</li>\n<li>Recommended as a foundational guide for personal prayer and spiritual growth</li>\n</ul>\n<!-- FAQs -->\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">FAQs</h3>\n<p><strong>Q: Who was St. Francis de Sales?</strong><br />A: He was a seventeenth‑century Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, known for his gentle pastoral teaching and spiritual direction that continues to nourish Catholic prayer and devotion.</p>\n<p><strong>Q: What topics are covered in this book?</strong><br />A: It covers how to desire a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, the practice of key virtues, remedies against ordinary temptations, and confirmation in the practice of devotion.</p>\n<p><strong>Q: Is this suitable for today’s reader?</strong><br />A: Yes, its clear and personal style makes it accessible to both beginners and seasoned Catholics seeking to deepen their prayer life and virtue.</p>\n<!-- Intended Audience -->\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Intended Audience</h3>\n<p>For Catholic individuals and families seeking a foundational guide to Christian holiness, for those desiring deeper prayer and virtue rooted in the Church’s tradition, and for parish or small group formation drawing on the wisdom of a Doctor of the Church.</p>\n<!-- Key Themes (moved to bottom) -->\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2; padding: 1.5rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem;\">Key Themes</h3>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li>Devotion to God lived in everyday life</li>\n<li>Prayer and sacramental engagement</li>\n<li>Cultivation of Christian virtues</li>\n<li>Overcoming temptation through grace</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</section>","show_backorder_message":true,"tags":[],"warranty":"","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$22.95","value":22.95,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"},"height":"8.50","detail_messages":"","availability":"","page_title":"An Introduction to the Devout Life","cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php","show_backorder_availability_prompt":true,"max_purchase_quantity":0,"show_quantity_on_hand":true,"mpn":null,"upc":"9780895552280","options":[{"id":5140,"type":"Configurable_PickList_Set","display_name":"Format","required":true,"state":"variant_option","partial":"set-rectangle","condition":true,"values":[{"id":10126,"label":"Paperbound","selected":true,"data":"Paperbound"},{"id":10127,"label":"eBook","selected":false,"data":"eBook"},{"id":10128,"label":"MP3 Audio Download","selected":false,"data":"MP3 Audio Download"}]}],"related_products":[{"id":4216,"sku":"0009-GROUPED","name":"An Introduction to the Devout Life (Paperbound)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life-paperbound/","availability":"","rating":0,"brand":null,"category":["Books","Books/Topic/Spiritual Direction"],"summary":"“You aim at true devotion, my dear Philothea, because, as a Christian, you know how acceptable it is to the Divine Majesty. 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","text":"As a supplemental reading, this book is excellent prayer preparation ","date":"May 23rd 2025"},{"name":"Sylvan Gilliland","rating":"5","title":"An Introduction to the Deout Life","text":"Very readable and understandable. Helpful with spiritual growth.","date":"Feb 13th 2024"},{"name":"MATTHEW PUTNAM","rating":"5","title":"Very good","text":"This book has lots of good, actionable advice","date":"Oct 4th 2023"},{"name":"Anna Rögnvaldsdóttir ","rating":"5","title":"A very edifying book. Leads one closer to God! ","text":"I am looking forward to read the whole book. ","date":"Sep 26th 2023"},{"name":"Ed T.","rating":"5","title":"introduction to the devout life","text":"One of the best books to begin your Catholic prayer life after confirmation. Teaches daily prayer and meditation. Mystical contemplation is not the prerogative of the Saints it is for every Catholic who wants to advance in the spiritual life - in other words all Catholics. Every Catholic should read it.","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"Luke S.","rating":"5","title":"A Gorgeous Introduction to Deeper Spirituality","text":"This edition of St. Francis de Sales "An Introduction to the Devout Life" is a beautiful book to hold in one;s hand and learn more deeply how we can express our love to the ever perfect Jesus Christ. De Sales very thoroughly goes through the main questions we should all be asking: how to engage in mental prayer? how to disavow our selves from habitual venial sin? the purpose of the Mass and how to pray it? how to make a worthy confession? and how to make a worthy examination of conscience? Not only does this guide to devotional life read very clearly by giving succinct advice on the answers to these questions but De Sales gives us essentially an amazing devotional book in his prayerful writing. I am very pleased with this purchase from TAN as it is a gorgeous book to look at on a material level and holds amazing spiritual insights within.","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"Tanner","rating":"5","title":"Amazing","text":"An amazing (and very in-depth) book. Would wholeheartedly recommend!","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"KATHERINE B.","rating":"5","title":"Wonderful book!","text":"I am only a little bit into this book, but I love what Ive read so far. St. Francis de Sales was a beautiful writer and what I read stays with me all day, providing gems to ponder. This is a book I dont want to rush. I want to take my time with it so I can apply what Im learning. I highly recommend!","date":"Oct 31st 2022"},{"name":"JOANNE K.","rating":"5","title":"Wonderful book","text":"I'm excited to begin reading this one!","date":"Oct 22nd 2022"},{"name":"PAT G.","rating":"5","title":"Great book","text":"Great book","date":"Oct 17th 2022"},{"name":"Carlos D.","rating":"5","title":"5 stars","text":"Great Classic! I recommend this book to any Christian or even nonbelievers. It shows how a good spiritual director (the author) leads a soul to a close relationship with Christ","date":"Oct 15th 2022"},{"name":"Marguerite W.","rating":"4","title":"Very comprehensive and at times","text":"Very comprehensive and at times difficult to read. Have to slow down and appreciate the content. Very good book!","date":"Aug 28th 2022"}]},"bulk_discount_rates":[],"meta_keywords":"Philothea,Lover of God,Spiritual Direction","show_quantity_input":true,"title":"An Introduction to the Devout Life","gift_wrapping_available":false,"min_purchase_quantity":0,"customizations":[],"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1261/16473/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life__40166.1767902774.jpg?c=1","alt":"Cover of the book An Introduction to the Devout Life "},{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1261/16604/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life__39534.1767902774.jpg?c=1","alt":" Flat view of the book An Introduction to the Devout Life "}],"width":"5.50"}
St. Francis de Sales’s An Introduction to the Devout Life is a perennial classic in Catholic spirituality that guides the faithful toward a life of true devotion to God lived in the ordinary cares of everyday life, written in the form of a personal letter addressed to “Philothea,” the lover of God, and rooted in the Church’s spiritual tradition. The work shows how to desire and resolve to live a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, how to cultivate Christian virtues, and how to find remedies against ordinary temptations, making it a practical, authoritative guide to holiness for readers in every state of life.
Shows how every Catholic, in any state of life, can pursue holiness through true devotion to God
Teaches practical principles of prayer, sacramental life, and interior recollection
Explains the cultivation of virtues and remedies against ordinary temptations
Offered in a gentle, pastoral style from a Doctor of the Church
Recommended as a foundational guide for personal prayer and spiritual growth
FAQs
Q: Who was St. Francis de Sales? A: He was a seventeenth‑century Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, known for his gentle pastoral teaching and spiritual direction that continues to nourish Catholic prayer and devotion.
Q: What topics are covered in this book? A: It covers how to desire a devout life, how to approach God in prayer and the sacraments, the practice of key virtues, remedies against ordinary temptations, and confirmation in the practice of devotion.
Q: Is this suitable for today’s reader? A: Yes, its clear and personal style makes it accessible to both beginners and seasoned Catholics seeking to deepen their prayer life and virtue.
Intended Audience
For Catholic individuals and families seeking a foundational guide to Christian holiness, for those desiring deeper prayer and virtue rooted in the Church’s tradition, and for parish or small group formation drawing on the wisdom of a Doctor of the Church.
Key Themes
Devotion to God lived in everyday life
Prayer and sacramental engagement
Cultivation of Christian virtues
Overcoming temptation through grace
Author:
St. Francis de Sales
Imprint:
TAN Books
Pages:
360
Publication Date:
7/1/1994
Product Format:
Paperbound
Pdf:
https://tanbooks.com/content/TC1253_Preview.pdf
atc-product:
1719
atc-product:
3193
atc-product:
3761
cpu-product:
1221
cpu-product:
4232
cpu-product:
3002
Height:
8.50
Width:
5.50
15 Reviews
5
Currently, I am taking a course on Catholic Church History.
Posted by Dawn Lyons (Mrs. Raymond Lyons Kr.) on May 23rd 2025
As a supplemental reading, this book is excellent prayer preparation
5
An Introduction to the Deout Life
Posted by Sylvan Gilliland on Feb 13th 2024
Very readable and understandable. Helpful with spiritual growth.
5
Very good
Posted by MATTHEW PUTNAM on Oct 4th 2023
This book has lots of good, actionable advice
5
A very edifying book. Leads one closer to God!
Posted by Anna Rögnvaldsdóttir on Sep 26th 2023
I am looking forward to read the whole book.
5
introduction to the devout life
Posted by Ed T. on May 24th 2023
One of the best books to begin your Catholic prayer life after confirmation. Teaches daily prayer an…
Read More
5
A Gorgeous Introduction to Deeper Spirituality
Posted by Luke S. on May 24th 2023
This edition of St. Francis de Sales "An Introduction to the Devout Life" is a beautiful b…
Read More
5
Amazing
Posted by Tanner on May 24th 2023
An amazing (and very in-depth) book. Would wholeheartedly recommend!
5
Wonderful book!
Posted by KATHERINE B. on Oct 31st 2022
I am only a little bit into this book, but I love what Ive read so far. St. Francis de Sales was a b…
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5
Wonderful book
Posted by JOANNE K. on Oct 22nd 2022
I'm excited to begin reading this one!
5
Great book
Posted by PAT G. on Oct 17th 2022
Great book
5
5 stars
Posted by Carlos D. on Oct 15th 2022
Great Classic! I recommend this book to any Christian or even nonbelievers. It shows how a good spir…
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4
Very comprehensive and at times
Posted by Marguerite W. on Aug 28th 2022
Very comprehensive and at times difficult to read. Have to slow down and appreciate the content. Ver…