Cardinal Richelieu’s Twenty Spiritual Counsels

Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis Duke of Richelieu

Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu (1585–1642), was a prelate of great sanctity, learning and wisdom, and an ardent devotee of the Mother of God. He lived in a profoundly turbulent era, when all of Europe (including France) was shaken by religious and political unrest. This man of God and servant of the people labored tirelessly to ensure the flourishing of the Catholic Church and the Kingdom of France, both of which he loved dearly.

This timeless but long-forgotten masterpiece overflows with insights from Cardinal Richelieu on how to fulfill one’s vocation and station in life for the glory of God. Begin with his priceless spiritual counsels.

The overcoming of interior pride is more important than external works of virtue.
One should pay more attention to one’s own faults than to one’s own merits, and one should pay more attention to the merits of others than to their faults.
One should exhibit moderation, gentleness, and mercy towards one’s own self.
The spiritual life should be undertaken without haste or impatience, but steadily and calmly.
However, inertia and apathy are to be carefully avoided.
Work as if everything depended upon your own efforts, but when the work is completed, give thanks to God, knowing everything depended upon His grace.
Joy is a sign of secure faith.
Sound devotion should lead to tranquility of heart.
Sin can very easily become a constricting habit.
A single fault is enough to undermine many virtues.
Moral perfection is to be found in actions, not just words or thoughts.
Novelty in the spiritual life should not be sought for its own sake.
Those involved in the spiritual guidance of others cannot allow themselves to be deceived or give unholy counsel.
Be wary of obsessive moral scruples.
To act always out of love for God is the surest way to achieve moral perfection.