St. Francis de Sales, the “Doctor of Love,” wrote about the Canticle of Canticles rather as a natural development.  It is quite consistent with both his own spirituality, wherein the union of divine and human love is both lived and taught, and with the contents of this sacred writing, which provides, in poetic form, a perpetual witness to this mystery of love. What may be surprising, however, is the manner in which St. Francis de Sales treats the Canticle of Canticles.  Unlike any contemporary commentary, which analyzes the successive words and verses of text, the saint’s work is more along the lines of a theological exposé.

This book offers an insight into the life and thoughts of this eminent Doctor of the Church.  In fact, it can be said that the Canticle of Canticles is the inspiration of Francis’ life, for he knew well that the history of the world is the history of salvation, which, in turn, is really a history of God’s love for us. In the book Francis incorporates and explains the depth and extent of this love, we are given a sure guide in the ways of mystical theology, where affective and effective love unite in leading us to devotion.  May it so lead us to such a life, that we too may join with St. Francis de Sales in singing this greatest of all songs.