SALESIAN LITERATURE

God Desires You

SFS on Living the Gospel

By Eunan McDonnell SDB


Anyone who is seriously seeking the path of gospel freedom will find in Sr Francis de Sales a sure guide to accompany them in the way of love. This book presents in detail the spiritual journey as outlined by St Francis de Sales.

Incidents from the life of the saint are related to illustrate how he overcame certain difficulties and eventually arrived at an understanding of God's goodness that is unshakeable. As an adolescent, Francis passed through a severe persona] crisis, but emerged convinced of God's love and desire to save everyone. It is this complete trust and confidence in the goodness of God that is the touchstone of his spirituality.

Drawing attention to the correspondence between the human heart and God's heart, he urges us to let go of any anxiety that seeks to rob us of the inner peace and joy that God desires for us.

Eunan McDonnell is a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco. He has been a director of school retreats, has lectured in theology and spirituality al Si Patrick's College, Maynooth and at All Hallows College, Dublin. He has been Director of Novices for the Salesians in Ireland and is currently involved in formation work in Ethiopia.

ISBN 1 85607 343 2

Table of Contents

Bibliographical note

Biographical note

1. Crisis

2. The Human Heart

3. The Heart of God

4. Prayer: Heart Speaks to Heart

5. Gentle arid Humble of Heart

6. Childlike Simplicity

7. Trust and Confidence in God

8. Seeking the Will of God

9. Doing the Will of God

10. Joy and Optimism

11. Friendship in Salesian Spirituality

12. Mary, Model of the Spiritual Life

Notes