Book Review
The Sermons of
St. Francis de Sales
for
LENT
Given in 1622
Edited by Father Lewis S. Fiorelli, O.S.F.S.
Translated by Nuns of the Visitation
Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
1987
Would you be ready to explain in a few words the difference between a sermon and a homily? And would you be able to say briefly which you prefer and why? It is doubtful if in 1622 such distinctions mattered to most people. Sermons were sermons — long, elaborate, filled with all manner of classical quotations and rhetorical devices. Brilliant orators in the pulpit were impressive!
However, even as a zealous young priest, Francis de Sales was convinced that if he was to bring the love of God to all his listeners, regardless of their social class or level of intelligence, he had to address them in a simple, direct manner. In other words, his sermons were what we today call homilies. He risked his reputation in doing this. In the preface to this volume of Lenten sermons Father John Abbruzzes describes the criticism Francis received from his father thus:
“. . .you preach too often; I hear the bell ring for sermons even on weekdays. In my day it was not so, preachings were much rarer; but what preachings, God knows! They were erudite, well thought out; more Latin and Greek were quoted in one than you quote in ten; everyone was enraptured and edified; people used to go to sermons in crowds. Now you have made preaching so common, this will no longer happen and no one will think very much of you.”
For Francis de Sales, preaching was a matter of “heart to heart conversation in love” between the preacher and his listeners. If we keep in mind that
through the centuries Lent has been a special season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for all Christians, then we will discover that the “heart to heart” Lenten sermons of Saint Francis de Sales given to the Visitation sisters of Annecy in 1622 still inspire hearts today. Since Vatican Council II especially have we become aware that all, laity and religious alike, are encouraged to respond generously to the Church’s Universal Call to Holiness . May Francis de Sales be our companion on our Lenten journey.
Book is reviewed by Sister Peronne Marie Thibert, V.H.M.
