The Divine Office: Devotion must be practised in different ways

The Examiner ^ | 1/24/14 | Joseph Speranzella

[Catholic Examiner]

From The Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales, bishop

When God the Creator made all things, he commanded the plants to bring forth fruit each according to its own kind; he has likewise commanded Christians, who are the living plants of his Church, to bring forth the fruits of devotion, each one in accord with his character, his station and his calling.

I say that devotion must be practised in different ways by the nobleman and by the working man, by the servant and by the prince, by the widow, by the unmarried girl and by the married woman. But even this distinction is not sufficient; for the practice of devotion must be adapted to the strength, to the occupation and to the duties of each one in particular. ...

[stonehouse01]

Thanks for the article. St. Francis DeSales is one of my all time favorites. His concept of devotion according to one’s vocation/state in life is very calming and helps with the stress and worries of life.