For a few years now we have been giving out a book at Christmas. This year we continued that tradition with the book “Introduction to the Devout Life,” by St. Francis De Sales. This book is a classic. Every adult in the parish should get a copy, and please read the book. I have said that I would make some suggestions for reading the book at Masses. So here we go:
The chapters for this book are relatively short. Most are one to two pages long. I am suggesting that we read a chapter a day. The book does take a little to get into, so give it a little time. Please don’t just read the book, take some time and pray with the book. Pause when something hits you and take your time with the book. It is not meant to be a speed reading contest (trust me, I would fail at that). Rather it is meant to help our relationship with God to grow, and who doesn’t want that! The book is practical, and it was written by a Saint. St. Francis De Sales was a bishop who wanted to make prayer and holiness assessable to the average lay person, because we are all called to be holy and have a deeper encounter with God.
The book is broken up into five parts. The first part is 24 chapters. If we begin the book by January 1st, we will be through the first part by January 24th. The second part is 21 chapters which will take us through February 14. The third part is 41 chapters which will take us through March 27. The fourth part is 15 chapters which will take us through April 11. The fifth and final part is 18 pages which will take us through April 29. In just under four months, we as a church together may read a beautiful classic which can help us to grow closer to the Lord. It is my hope and prayer that all of us will take advantage of this. I will be reading the chapters along with you. I encourage each person to find one or two people to share with about what we are reading. It is important to share our faith. Periodically, I will be writing about this book through the months, so it would be helpful for reading this column. Thank you and God bless you. Enjoy reading the book now that January 1st is here!
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault