Intro to Devout Life
In this audiobook, we’ll be reading Parts I & II of Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales, narrated by Fr. Simon Esshaki. Hear more from Fr. Esshaki here: https://hallow.app/chapters/177
25 sessions
1Intro & PrefaceWelcome to the Hallow Summer Bookclub! Fr. Simon begins our journey through Introduction to the Devout Life with an original introduction to the book and the Preface.
Overview of the Book
2Day 1We'll begin our journey with Part 1: Chapters 1 & 2, in which St. Francis De Sales explains the nature and excellence of true devotion. Choose the longer length for reflection.
Part 1: Chapters 1-2
3Day 2Welcome back to Day 2 of this challenge! In Ch. 3 & 4, De Sales shares how the devout life is for everyone, encouraging us to seek a guide to help us. Choose the longer length for reflection.
Part 1: Chapters 3-4
4Day 3Today, we'll read Chapters 5-8, in which St. Francis De Sales explains that to be spiritually healthy we must purify our soul from sin. Choose the longer length for reflection. Part 1: Chapters 5-8
5Day 4Welcome to Day 4 of our Summer Bookclub. Today we begin a series of 10 meditations about the devout life. We begin by meditating on creation.Part 1: Chapter 9
6Day 5Today we will read Chapter 10, the second of ten meditations. In this meditation, we will reflect on the end for which we were created. Part 1: Chapter 10
7Day 6In Chapter 11, De Sales guides us in meditating on the Gifts of God.Part 1: Chapter 11
8Day 7Today we will read Chapter 12: the fourth meditation. De Sales guides us on meditating on our sins.Part 1: Chapter 12
9Day 8Welcome back! Today as we read the fifth meditation, De Sales focuses our attention on death. Part 1: Chapter 13
10Day 9Welcome to Day 9 of our Summer Bookclub! In Chapter 14, we will meditate on judgment.Part 1: Chapter 14
11Day 10Today, we turn to Chapter 15 where De Sales leads us through a meditation on Hell.Part 1: Chapter 15
12Day 11In Chapter 16, De Sales leads us in a meditation on Paradise.Part 1: Chapter 16
13Day 12Today, we turn to Chapter 17, the ninth meditation written by De Sales. This meditation focuses on the choice between Heaven and Hell.Part 1: Chapter 17
14Day 13Welcome back to the Summer Bookclub Challenge. Today, in Chapter 18, De Sales guides us through meditating on how the soul chooses the devout life.Part 1: Chapter 18
15Day 14Welcome back to Day 14 of this challenge. Today, St. Francis instructs the reader on the ways to prepare for and to make a general confession. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 1: Chapters 19-21
16Day 15Today, in Chapters 22-24, we come to the end of Part 1. Here, De Sales encourages us to move away from affections of and inclinations toward venial sin. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 1: Chapters 22-24
17Day 16Today we begin Part 2 of Introduction to the Devout Life. In Chapters 1 & 2, De Sales writes of the necessity of prayer and how to prepare for it. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 2: Chapters 1-2
18Day 17Welcome back! In Chapters 3-7, De Sales shares 5 points for preparing for meditation: invocation, imagination, consideration, affections and resolutions. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 2: Chapters 3-7
19Day 18Welcome to Day 18 of the Summer Bookclub Challenge. Today we'll read Chapters 8 & 9, where St. Francis helps us to meditate more fully and fruitfully. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 2: Chapters 8-9
20Day 19Today, in Chapters 10-12, we read that morning prayer, evening prayer, examination of conscience and inward retirement allow us to grow in greater devotion. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 2: Chapters 10-12
21Day 20In Chapter 13, De Sales encourages us to "aspire continually to God by brief, ardent upliftings of heart,' using spontaneous prayers of praise. Choose the longer length for reflection.Part 2: Chapter 13
22Day 21Today we will read Chapters 14 & 15, in which De Sales writes about Holy Communion and the need to attend public prayers and services whenever we are able. Choose the longer length for reflection. Part 2: Chapters 14-15
23Day 22Welcome back! Today we will read Chapters 16-18, in which we learn how the saints are united to us, modeling how to hear God and receive His inspiration. Choose the longer length for reflection. Part 2: Chapters 16-18
24Day 23Today as we read Chapter 19, De Sales encourages us to receive the Sacrament of Confession humbly and devoutly, so that we will not die a spiritual death. Choose the longer length for reflection. Part 2: Chapter 19
25Day 24Welcome to the last day of the Summer Bookclub Challenge! In Chapters 20 & 21, De Sales tells us that we are strengthened by receiving Communion frequently. Choose the longer length for reflection. Part 2: Chapters 20-21