Urbane, cultivated, St. Francis de Sales is an example of Pope Pius XII’s statement that one may live in the midst of luxury and enjoy great prestige while still leading a life of deep devotion to Christ and His cross.John E. Beahn has drawn a fictional portrait of the saint, relying on biographical sources and Francis’ own works, which shows the Bishop of Geneva as a tender, mild and honest prelate and director of souls. But we never lose sight of his intransigence in fighting the errors of Calvinism and the snares of luxurious living.St. Francis’ life is told by his cousin-secretary, Canon Louis de Sales. This device enables the author to create an atmosphere of first-hand intimacy and familiarity with the saint which the traditional methods of hagiography lack. As a result, the reader feels that he has come to know St. Francis de Sales as a living person and a respected, admired friend.Anyone who has read the “Introduction to a Devout Life” and others of the saint’s books will find that his appreciation and knowledge of Francis’ doctrine has been deepened by reading “A Man of Good Zeal.”
