SALESIAN LITERATURE

Salesian Spirituality:

A Source Book

Compiled by Fr. Noel Rebello MSFS

This compilation from the writings of and publications on St.Francis de Sales aims to stimulate reflection, animate personal meditation and promote appropriate action for one’s personal spiritual advancement, for the edification of one's neighbour and for improved social wellbeing — based on the values of the Gospel as practised and preached by St. Francis de Sales. The references have been numerically indicated at the end of the booklet (on pages 186 to 200)

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. ST. FRANCIS De SALES: The MAN through his MESSAGE

1.1. BACKGROUND

1.1.1. Political

1. 1.2 Socio-Cultural: Upsurge of Humanism

1.1.3 Ecclesial

1.2. BIOGRAPHY

1.2.1 The MAN

1.2.2 The PRIEST and PROVOST

1.2.3 The MISSIONARY: Apostle of the Chablais

1.2.4 The BISHOP

1.2.5. The SAINT

1.3. WRITINGS

1.4. SALESIAN SPIRITUALITY

1.4.1 The Primacy of Love

1.4.2 Universal Call to Holiness [devotion] and Personalized Response [Virtue]

1.4.3 Prayer — means of Union with God and Neighbour

1.5. IMPACT and ACTUALITY

1.5.1. Testimonies

1.5.2. Titles

2. The MESSAGE gleaned from his WRITINGS

2.1. THE HUMAN CONDITION

2.1.1. Freedom/Liberty

2.1.2 Friendship

2.1.3 Joy

2.1.4 Peace

2.1.5 Reputation

2.1.6 Education

2.1.7 Time

2 .1.8 Sickness/Death

2.2. LOVE

2.2.1. LOVE OF GOD FOR MAN

2.2.1.1. Spirit of Divine Love: The Holy Spirit

2.2.1.2 Divine Love Incarnate: Christ in the Manger

2.2.1.3 Divine Love Incarnate: Christ on the Cross

2.2.2 LOVE MAN’S RESPONSE TO GOD ’S LOVE

2.2.2.1 Tribulations / Mortification / Sacrifice

2.2.2 2 Repentance / Conversion

2.2.2.3 Most Exemplary Response to God’s Love: MARY

2.2.3. SELF -LOVE

2.2.4. LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR

2.2.4.1. Dealings with one’s NEIGHBOUR [Thought, Word, Deed, Omission]

2.3. DEVOTION / PIETY / HOLINESS

2.3.1. DEVOTION: Universal Call to HOLINESS

2.3.2. VOCATION: Personal Call to DEVOTION

2.4. CONTEMPLATION

2.4.1 Personal Prayer

2.4.2 Sacramental Prayer

2.4.3. Devotional Prayer: To the Blessed Virgin Mary

2.5. ACTION

2.5.1 THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE

2.5.1.1 CHARITY

2.5.1.2 LITTLE VIRTUE

2.5.1.2.1 Utile Virtues: Humility / Modesty / Generosity

2.5.1.2.2 Little Virtues: Gentleness

2.5.1.2.3 Little Virtues: Obedience

2.5.1.2.4 Little Virtues: Patience

2.5.1.2.5 Little Virtues: Poverty

2.5.1.2.6 Little Virtues: Simplicity

2.5.1.3 Fortitude

2.5.1.4 Prudence

2.5.1.5 Chastity

2.5.1.6 Detachment

2.5.1.7 Perseverance

2.6. OBSTACLES

2.6.1. WORRY / ANXIETY

2.6.2. ANGER

2.6.3. TEMPTATIONS

2.6.4. SIN

3. REFERENCES

4. BIBLOGRAPHY