A Timeless Guide to Holiness for Everyday Life

Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales is one of the most beloved spiritual classics in the Catholic tradition, and this abridged, contemporary-English edition from Catholic Book Publishing makes it more accessible than ever. Adapted for modern readers while preserving the depth and warmth of the original, this compact volume invites people from every walk of life to pursue genuine holiness, not just those in religious life, but laypeople, families, professionals, and anyone seeking a closer relationship with God.

This edition is ideal for personal spiritual reading, parish book clubs, faith formation programs, or as a thoughtful gift for anyone on a journey of deeper devotion. Its concise format makes it easy to read in short sessions, making it a practical companion for busy lives.

Why You'll Love It

• Written by Saint Francis de Sales, known as the Apostle of Love, whose gentle and encouraging approach to holiness has guided souls for centuries
• Abridged and adapted into contemporary English, making this spiritual classic approachable for today's readers without losing its essential wisdom
• Covers all the major themes of the original work, including prayer, the sacraments, virtues, temptation, and growth in the spiritual life
• Compact and affordable format, well suited for personal use, parish distribution, or group study
• A meaningful gift for Catholics at any stage of their faith journey, from those newly exploring devotion to lifelong practitioners deepening their prayer life
• Published by Catholic Book Publishing, a trusted name in Catholic devotional literature for generations

Product Details and Specifications

• Book Title: Introduction to the Devout Life
• SKU: 163-19
• ISBN: 9781937913755
• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing
• Book Type: Abridged devotional paperback
• Language: English
• Subject: Catholic spirituality, personal devotion, virtue, prayer
• Audience: Catholic adults, general Christian readers, spiritual seekers

Who This Makes a Good Gift For

• Catholics seeking to deepen their personal prayer life and spiritual practice
• Adults exploring Catholic spirituality for the first time
• Parish book club members or faith formation participants
• Anyone entering the Church through OCIA or deepening their commitment to the faith
• Priests, deacons, and spiritual directors looking for a resource to recommend to those they guide
• Friends or family members going through a period of spiritual renewal or discernment

FAQs

Is this the complete text of Introduction to the Devout Life?
This is an abridged and adapted edition. It covers all of the major subjects from Saint Francis de Sales' original work but is condensed and rewritten in contemporary English for accessibility and readability.

Who is Saint Francis de Sales?
Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was a Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, widely known as the Apostle of Love. He wrote Introduction to the Devout Life to show that holiness is not reserved for monks and nuns but is available to all people in every state of life.

Is this edition appropriate for someone new to Catholic spirituality?
Yes. The contemporary English and abridged format make this an excellent starting point for readers who are new to Catholic spiritual classics or who find older translations difficult to follow.

Can this be used for a parish book club or group study?
Absolutely. Its concise format and clear chapter structure make it well suited for group reading, discussion, and faith formation settings.

Is this a good gift for an adult?
Yes. This edition is written for adult readers and makes a thoughtful, meaningful gift for anyone on a journey of personal devotion, whether they are lifelong Catholics or newer to the faith.

Who publishes this edition?
This edition is published by Catholic Book Publishing, a well-established publisher of Catholic devotional books, prayer books, and liturgical resources.

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Since 1921, Reger's Church Supplies and Religious Gifts has been a trusted source for Catholic families, parishes, schools, and religious communities across the country. Our catalog spans thousands of devotional books, liturgical supplies, sacramental gifts, and faith-based resources, and our knowledgeable team is here to help you find exactly what you need. When you shop with Reger's, you are supporting a century-old Catholic business that genuinely cares about helping people live and share their faith.