author

Saint de Sales Francis

1567–1622

A gentle but practical spiritual writer, he is best known for showing that ordinary people can live deeply faithful lives in the middle of everyday duties. His warm, clear advice in works like Introduction to the Devout Life has kept him widely read for centuries.

2 Audiobooks

Introduction à la vie dévote

Introduction à la vie dévote

by Saint de Sales Francis

The Month of Mary, According to the Spirit of St. Francis of Sales

The Month of Mary, According to the Spirit of St. Francis of Sales

by Saint de Sales Francis, Gaspar Gilli

About the author

Born in 1567 in the Duchy of Savoy, he was educated in Paris and Padua before becoming a priest. He later served as Bishop of Geneva, though he worked mainly from Annecy during a time of intense religious conflict in the region.

He became known for patience, courtesy, and a style of preaching and writing that was direct rather than severe. His best-known books, including Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God, were written to help lay readers pursue holiness in ordinary life, not only in monasteries or convents.

He died in 1622 and was later canonized and named a Doctor of the Church. He remains one of the most approachable classic voices in Catholic spirituality, admired for combining disciplined thought with warmth and humanity.