Francis de Sales served as the Roman Catholic bishop of Geneva from 1567-1622, but today he is primarily known for his writings on prayer and spiritual direction, particularly his work Introduction to the Devout Life.

As a young man, Francis studied for a political career, but he was deeply anxious for his salvation, prone to melancholy and despair, and was convinced that he has been predestined for damnation. In 1587, however, while a visitor …