SALESIAN LITERATURE

To be Wholly Holy

Some Fransalian Glimpses of Holiness

(In Search of Holiness)

by Fr. Dominic Savio MSFS

All the religions teach about holiness, (yet we find people belonging to various religions fighting against one another. Sometimes we also find people who are very much religious and faithful to their religious practices are very selfish). The first chapter makes it clear that all the religions advocate holiness. The concept of holiness is explained from its origin. This chapter also explains the etymology of the word holiness, and different terms used for holiness. What does the Bible say about holiness? The concept of holiness from both the Old Testament and New Testament perspectives is explained.

Few centuries ago, holiness was considered as something specially meant for priests, sages, nuns and to religious only. The Second Vatican Council in its document Lumen Gentium states that we have a universal call to Holiness. Chapter five of Lumen Gentium speaks about 'The call to Holiness." "It is evident to everyone that all the faithful of Christ, of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity. By this holiness a more human way of life is promoted, even in this earthly society."' Much before the Vatican II, Saint Francis de Sales advocated the universal call to holiness. "Devotion is to be practiced differently by the nobleman, the workman, the servant, the prince, the widow, the young gir]; the wife. Even more than this, the practice of devotion has to be adapted to the strength, life-situation and duties of each individual." The moment someone pronounces holiness, many people close their ears, (because many of them bypass holiness by) saying that holiness is not for me, or it will not suit me, or it is very difficult to practise in this sophisticated, consumeristic, and passionate world, or give some other excuses. However, Francis de Sales, after studying all these in his life said, "It is an error, or rather, a heresy, to try to exclude the devout life from the soldiers" regiment, the workmen's shop, the court of rulers or the home of the married."' So, the second chapter, a biographical sketch of St. Francis de Sales stands as an inspiration for all to lead a life of holiness.

The third chapter awakens the reader to find out and face the problems in leading a life of holiness, and accordingly one is guided to make necessary changes to improve one's own life. The Salesian way to holiness is explained in a detailed manner, strictly adhering to the spiritual classic of St. Francis de Sales" 'Introduction to the Devout Life. '

Table of Contents

Forward

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER-I: THE CONCEPT OF HOLINESS

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Etymology of the Word Holiness

1.2. Definitions of Holiness

1.3. Different Terms Used for Holiness

1.3.1. Devotion

1.3.2. Sanctification

1.3.3. Perfection

1.3.4. Wholeness

1.4. Holiness in the other Religions

1.4.1. Hinduism

1.4.2. Buddhism

1.4.3. Jainism

1.4.4. Islam

1.4. . Confucianism

1.5. Holiness in the Old Testament

1.5.1. Holiness in Pentateuch

1.5.2. Holiness in Historical Books

1.5.3. Holiness in Wisdom Literature

1.5.4. Holiness in Prophets

1.6. Holiness in the New Testament

1.6.1. Synoptics and Acts of the Apostles on Holiness

1.6.2. John and Revelation on Holiness

1.6.3. Pauline Corpus and other Letters on Holiness

1.6.4. Paul and Eschatological Holiness

1.7. Holiness in the Writings of the Fathers of the Church

1.7.1. Clement of Rome

1.7.2. Ignatius of Antioch

1.7.3. Polycarp of Smyrna

1.7.4. Justin the Martyr

1.7.5. Athenagoras

1.7.6. Irenaeus

1.7.7. Clement of Alexandria

1.7.8. Tertullian

1.7.9. Origen

1.7.10. Augustine of Hippo

1.8. Holiness in the Teachings of the Church

1.8.1. Lumen Gentium

1.8.2. John Paul II and Vita Consecrata

1.8.3. Canon Law

1.8.4. Means to attain Holiness

CONCLUSION

CHAPTER -II: HOLINESS IN AND FOR ST. FRANCIS DE SALES INTRODUCTION

2.1. Castle of Sales and the De Sales Family

2.2. Francis de Sales: A Child of God

2.3. Education of Francis de Sales

2.3.1. Early Years of Francis

2.3.2. Francis de Sales: In Paris and Padua

2.4. Spiritual Crisis: A Path to Holiness

2.5. Discernment and Preparation to Priesthood

2.6. Francis de Sales: A Missionary and a Role Model

2.7. Francis de Sales: Amidst Challenges, Rejections, and Confrontations

2 8. Francis de Sales the Co-Adjutor and the Bishop

2.9. Works of Francis de Sales

2.9.1. Origin of Introduction to the Devout Life

2.9.2. Content of the Introduction to the Devout Life

2.10. Francis de Sales: An Image of Jesus Christ

CONCLUSIO N

CHAPTER – III: SALESIAN UNDERSTANDING OF HOLINESS IN TRODUCTION

3.1. Francis de Sales on Holiness

3.1.1. Questions for Reflection

3.1.2. Express your feelings, thoughts and desires

3.1.3. Your Prayer to God

3.2. Obstacles for Holiness

3.2.1. Pragmatic (Materialistic) Approach to God

3.2.2. Expectation of Instant results

3.2.3. Misguided Hagiography

3.2.4. Hypocrisy

3.2.5. Distorted Images of God

3.2.6. Feeling of Absence of God

3.2.7. Poor Self-Image

3.2.8. Distractions

3.2.9. Dryness

3.2.10. Questions for Reflection

3.2.10.1. Express your feelings, thoughts and desires

3.2.10.2. Your Prayer to God

3.3. The way to Holiness

3.3.1. Devotion the First requirement

3.3.2. Spiritual Director and Direction

3.3.3. Placing Oneself in the Presence of the Lord

3.3.4. Self-Purification

3.3.5. Preparation for the Day

3.3.5.1. Prayer

3.3.5.2. Meditation

3.3.5.3. Eucharist

3.3.5.4. Rosary

3.3.5.5. Aspirations and Ejaculatory Prayers

3.3.5.6. Night Prayers and Examination of

Conscience

3.3.6. Atmosphere of Spiritual Recollection

3.3.7. General Confession

3.3.8. Utilizing the Faults to grow in Holiness

3.3.8.1. Questions for Reflection

3.3.8.2. Express your feelings, thoughts and desires

3.3.8.3. My Prayer to God

3.3.9. Meaning of Holiness Today

3.3.10. Nurturing an Optimistic Attitude in Life

CONCLUSION

GENERAL CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY