Fenelon, Francois

Francois de Salignac de la Mothe Fnelon (1651-1715) was a French archbishop, theologian, and writer whose excursions into the contemplative life, especially the quietism espoused by Mme. Guyon, caused controversy in the church of his day. His writings remain, though, as an encouragement and source of spiritual growth for many Christians today. Fnelon, descended from a long line of nobility, started his higher studies in 1672 at Saint-Sulpice seminary in Paris. He was ordained a priest in 1676 and appointed director of Nouvelles Catholiques (""New Cathoics""), a college for women who taught con...