The Lenten Sermons of St. Francis de Sales afford a rare opportunity to witness his dedication as bishop to his duty to preach, his unique homiletic style in the presentation of theological truths, and the love and devotion which inspired and gave power to his words.

In the 17th century, tradition had made Lent a special time in the Church year when a bishop would be invited by an­other bishop or a nobleman to preach a series of sermons to the people of a diocese or region. In the years of his epis­copacy, St. Francis had occasion to preach almost 20 such Lenten series, allowing him to touch a wide range of persons from every walk of life and social status. It was at just such a Lenten preaching engagement (1603) that he first encountered Madame de Chantal, with whom he would share a deep spiritual friendship. A biographer described the success of his Lenten sermons:

He spoke in his heart with God, and was therefore able to speak from his heart to the hearts of all who would hear him.

Though the selection of Lenten sermons was intended for cloistered religious, their message is equally valuable to the lay reader, who has only to use his judgment in making ap­plication according to his state in life. In fact, the lay reader has the rare opportunity of profiting from the fatherly coun­sel of St. Francis de Sales which reveals his "secret heart" in the informal setting of the convent and garden of his spiritual daughters. The virtues encouraged for religious are also re­quired for the laity, if both are in their own way to respond generously to the Council's Universal Call to Holiness. Other reasons of disposition must be left to personal interest. How­ever, in approaching these sermons the reader can in faith proceed with the assurance that the heart has already been uniquely led to a beneficial posture through the family of St. Francis de Sales, who, after the saint's example, have offered preparation through prayer!