Catholic Classics: Introduction to the Devout Life

PodcastSeason 151 Episodes

Journey through St. Francis de Sales ' Introduction to the Devout Life with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. Over 40 episodes of

Hosted by Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. · Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

— St. Francis de Sales

EP1

Start with God29 min

EP2

Preparing for the Journey29 min

Allow Christ into Your Life29 min

EP7

The Necessity of Prayer26 min

EP8

Preparing for Prayer27 min

EP9

Dryness in Prayer27 min

EP10

Praying Throughout the Day29 min

EP11

The Source and Summit28 min

EP12

The Importance of Eucharist and Reconciliation29 min

EP13

Receiving Holy Communion19 min

EP14

Choosing Virtues28 min

EP15

Patience and External Humility25 min

EP16

Interior Humility23 min

EP17

Abjection and Reputation in Humility29 min

EP18

Meekness and Controlling Anger27 min

EP19

The Need for Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience29 min

EP20

Aim for the Highest Good23 min

EP21

True Poverty and False Friendship27 min

EP22

The Necessity and Caution of Friendship29 min

EP23

Council on Friendship26 min

EP24

Mortification for Purification26 min

EP25

Modesty in the Moral Life31 min

EP26

Concerning Hasty Judgment26 min

EP27

Speaking Virtuously31 min

EP28

Advice for Leisurely Activities28 min

EP29

Building Habits of Faithfulness28 min

EP30

Wisdom for Married Couples29 min

EP31

The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed25 min

EP32

Widows and Single People27 min

EP33

Defining Temptation27 min

EP34

Consenting to Temptation23 min

EP35

Remedies for Temptation22 min

EP36

The Temptation of Self-Reliance23 min

EP37

Receiving Consolation28 min

EP38

Enduring Desolation25 min

EP39

The Rhythm of Consolation and Desolation21 min

EP40

Renewing Resolutions25 min

EP41

Examining Our Conscience26 min

EP42

Considerations When Moving Onward24 min

EP43

Conclusion: How Do I Go Forth?22 min

INTRO

Intro to Part 2: Instructions for Elevating the Soul to God Through Prayer and the Sacraments5 min

INTRO

Intro to Part 3: Certain Counsels for the Practice of the Virtues5 min

INTRO

Dedicatory Prayer and Author’s Preface13 min

INTRO

Intro to Part I: On the Counsels and Exercises6 min

INTRO

Intro to Part 4: Necessary Counsels Concerning Temptations That Occur Frequently in the Christian Life6 min

INTRO

Intro Part 5: Exercises and Counsels for Renewing the Soul and Strengthening Her Devotion6 min

INTRO

Announcing Catholic Classics2 min

Catholic Classics: Introduction to the Devout Life Podcast

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. read through St. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life chapter by chapter — 51 episodes of gentle wisdom for Catholics pursuing holiness in ordinary life.

Written in 1609 as letters of spiritual guidance for a laywoman named Philothea, it was revolutionary: a saint insisting that holiness was not reserved for monks and nuns, but available to anyone — in any state of life, in any circumstances — who genuinely wanted it.

THE BOOK

Catholic Classics: Introduction to the Devout Life - The Book

When St. Francis de Sales wrote the Introduction to the Devout Life, he was making a claim many found radical: that holiness was not the exclusive territory of religious life. That a merchant, a mother, a soldier could pursue genuine union with God — in their actual circumstances, not in some idealized other life.

Four hundred years later, the claim remains as needed as ever.

THE LETTERS

Catholic Classics: Introduction to the Devout Life - The Letters

The Introduction to the Devout Life began as letters. Francis de Sales was corresponding with a noblewoman he called Philothea — "one who loves God" — guiding her through the practice of a devout life in the world.

Those letters became one of the most-read Catholic spiritual classics in history. The woman changed. The guidance did not.

THE PODCAST

Catholic Classics: Introduction to the Devout Life - The Podcast

St. Francis de Sales was known for his gentleness — a pastoral warmth that made even demanding spiritual counsel feel like an invitation. Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. bring that same spirit to the text, drawing out what de Sales's wisdom means for Catholics today.
Fifty-one episodes. A master guide to the devout life.