Lay Faithful and Holiness in St. Francis de Sales’ Teaching Cover Image

Chrześcijanin świecki a świętość w nauczaniu św. Franciszka Salezego
Lay Faithful and Holiness in St. Francis de Sales’ Teaching

Author(s): Jan Mierzwa
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe Franciszka Salezego (TNFS)

Summary/Abstract: Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Universal Church; born at Thorens, in the Duchy of Savoy, 21 August, 1567; died at Lyons, 28 December, 1622. There are two elements in the spiritual life: first, a struggle against our lower nature; secondly, union of our wills with God, in other words, penance and love. St. Francis de Sales looks chiefly to love. Not that he neglects penance, which is absolutely necessary, but he wishes it to be practised from a motive of love. He requires mortification of the senses, but he relies first on mortification of the mind, the will, and the heart. This interior mortification he requires to be unceasing and always accompanied by love. The end to be realized is a life of loving, simple, generous, and constant fidel- ity to the will of God, which is nothing else than our present duty.

  • Issue Year: 21/2005
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 345-360
  • Page Count: 16