Catholic Saints Podcast

Episode: St. Francis de Sales on Obedience (Part I)

Host: Ben Akers (B)
Guest: Dr. Christopher Bloom (A)
Date: January 24, 2026

Main Theme

This episode inaugurates a four-part series exploring "The Character of a Christian" through the lens of St. Francis de Sales’ writings. The focus is on the virtue of obedience as presented in Introduction to the Devout Life, investigating its vital place in authentic Christian living. Dr. Christopher Bloom, translator and scholar, joins Ben Akers for a detailed discussion that blends historical context, practical application, and personal reflection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was St. Francis de Sales? ([00:21]–[02:15])

• Background:
  • Born in 1567, died in 1622, lived during the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
  • Felt called to priesthood from age 10, initially studied law at his father’s wish.
  • Served as a missionary in a Calvinist area and later became a bishop.
  • Renowned for deep spirituality and tireless pastoral work.
• Quote:
  • “Desales became a priest. He was a missionary for about four years in a Calvinist area not too far from his hometown of Geneva. And then at a very young age was a bishop and served with great distinction...” (A, [01:49])

2. The Origins of ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’ ([02:15]–[04:43])

• Written as spiritual guidance for his distant cousin, isolated and unhappy after her marriage.
• Composed as a series of intimate letters, later shared and published as a book.
• Immediate and lasting success across Europe; "never been out of print."
• Quote:
  • “It retains the tone of this personal, heart to heart address to this correspondent.” (A, [04:13])

3. Addressed to ‘Philothea’ – Meaning and Reason ([04:57]–[05:23])

• Not his cousin’s real name; "Philothea" means "friend of God" (feminine).
• Intended to universalize the message for all souls striving towards God.
• Quote:
  • “Friend of God, okay. In the feminine. Right, sure, yeah.” (A, [05:08])

4. The Book’s Unique Approach ([05:33]–[08:43])

• St. Francis de Sales intended to offer more than a ‘self-help’ guide, prevalent in Renaissance culture.
• Contrasted his approach with contemporary secular works by Montaigne and Castiglione, which emphasized self-examination.
• Key Difference:
  • De Sales’ focus is not on looking at oneself but on looking at Jesus.
• Quote:
  • “What De Sales is doing here ... is he saying, no, you don’t need to look at yourself, you need to look at Jesus.” (A, [08:33])

5. Devotion as a Virtue Distinct from Charity ([09:54]–[11:23])

• Definition:
  • Devotion is a “more or less permanent disposition of the soul” – a character trait.
  • It is a minor virtue connected to, but distinct from, charity (“a flame leaping forth from the fire that is charity”).
• Quote:
  • “It’s like a flame leaping forth from the fire that is charity.” (A, [11:01])

6. Nature of Obedience and Devotion ([11:23]–[14:49])

• Obedience isn’t mere rule-following or box-ticking; it’s loving responsiveness.
• True obedience, as De Sales sees it, is akin to the eagerness to do the will of a beloved—exemplified in family life.
• Memorable Analogy:
  • Dr. Bloom compares obedience to loving responsiveness within marriage, noting that love makes one ready and willing to act for another.
• Quote:
  • “It’s a kind of habitual readiness to hear what God’s pleasure is and to do it.” (A, [14:49])

7. The Examination of Conscience – End and Beginning ([14:49]–[16:58])

• St. Francis includes a searching examination of conscience at the end, but it is relevant at the start of the journey too.
• Asks probing questions about our “loves and desires,” culminating in:
  • “What have I given up for love of Jesus?” (B, [16:21])
• Quote:
  • “That last question just stands out. What have I given up for love of Jesus?” (B, [16:21])
  • “That is the test.” (A, [16:31])

8. Practical Advice for Readers ([16:58]–[17:58])

• The book sets a “high bar,” with the expectation of daily contemplative prayer and dedicated reflection.
• Readers shouldn’t be discouraged by the challenge; begin where you are and grow from there.
• Quote:
  • “Be not afraid.” (A, [16:58])

9. Approaching the Devout Life Today ([18:00]–[18:36])

• Read the text slowly and prayerfully; don’t rush.
• The path to virtue is continuous—a journey, not a checklist.
• Quote:
  • “If you decide to take up this challenge and listen to St. Francis de Sales, ... just read through the text slowly. ... You can do it.” (B, [18:01])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|---------|-------| | [01:49] | A | “Desales became a priest ... served with great distinction as a bishop for the last 20 years of his life.” | | [04:13] | A | “It retains the tone of this personal, heart to heart address to this correspondent.” | | [08:33] | A | “No, you don’t need to look at yourself, you need to look at Jesus.” | | [11:01] | A | “It’s like a flame leaping forth from the fire that is charity.” | | [11:54] | A | “So one of the distinctions he makes here is that if we love God, we’re going to keep his commandments, as Jesus tells us. ... But if we’re devout, then we also want to do whatever he counsels us interiorly.” | | [14:49] | A | “It’s a kind of habitual readiness to hear what God’s pleasure is and to do it.” | | [16:21] | B | “That last question just stands out. What have I given up for love of Jesus?” | | [16:31] | A | “That is the test.” | | [16:58] | A | “Be not afraid.” | | [18:01] | B | “If you decide to take up this challenge and listen to St. Francis de Sales ... just read through the text slowly. ... You can do it.” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• St. Francis de Sales’ Life & Background: [00:21]–[02:15]
• Origins/Publication of Introduction to the Devout Life: [02:15]–[04:43]
• Philothea & Audience for His Writings: [04:57]–[05:23]
• Positioning Among Renaissance Literature: [05:33]–[08:43]
• Virtue of Devotion: [09:54]–[11:23]
• Obedience Explained: [11:54]–[14:49]
• Examination of Conscience: [14:49]–[16:58]
• Advice for Starting the Devout Life: [16:58]–[18:36]

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich, accessible introduction to St. Francis de Sales’ profound insights on obedience and devotion. It situates his teaching in its historical context, breaks down the meaning of virtue in daily Christian life, and provides practical wisdom for anyone beginning or continuing their journey of faith. With memorable quotes, vivid analogies, and clear encouragement, listeners are invited to “be not afraid,” start where they are, and allow St. Francis de Sales to guide them in cultivating a character oriented toward Christ above all else.

Next episode: Focuses on the virtue of attentiveness.