Francois de Sales Legacy
St. François de Sales advice for todays writers and journalists
St. François de Sales, the patron saint of writers and journalists, offered wisdom that remains highly relevant for Catholic writers and communicators in today’s fast-paced, media-driven world. His advice would center on the virtues of charity, truth, and humility: qualities that are essential for navigating the challenges of modern communication. Based on his writings and life, here are some timeless principles he would likely share with Catholic writers and journalists today:
1. Write and Speak with Love
François believed that love should infuse every word, whether written or spoken. He famously said:
“He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”
In today’s world, where online discourse and journalism are often marked by hostility and divisiveness, his counsel to communicate with charity is especially poignant. He would remind writers and journalists to ensure that their words build bridges rather than tear them down, even when addressing difficult or controversial topics.
Advice for Today:
- Strive for gentleness and kindness in your writing, even when critiquing or debating.
- Avoid inflammatory or divisive language, and seek to promote understanding.
2. Be Anchored in Truth
As a man who dedicated his life to teaching the truths of the faith, François would emphasize the responsibility of Catholic writers and journalists to uphold truth in their work. In a world flooded with misinformation, sensationalism, and “clickbait” culture, he would urge communicators to prioritize accuracy and integrity over popularity or personal gain.
Advice for Today:
- Always seek the truth, and present it with clarity and honesty.
- Resist the temptation to distort facts for the sake of attention or approval.
- Be humble enough to admit mistakes and correct them promptly when they occur.
3. Communicate for the Good of Souls
François viewed communication—whether through preaching, writing, or conversation—as a means of helping others grow closer to God. For him, words were tools to inspire, heal, and guide. Catholic writers and journalists, he would say, should approach their craft as a form of ministry, always keeping the spiritual and moral good of their audience in mind.
Advice for Today:
- Ask yourself: Will my words uplift and inspire, or will they harm or mislead?
- Use your platform to promote virtue, hope, and justice, rather than sowing fear or despair.
- Share stories of goodness and grace, even in the face of troubling news.
4. Adapt to Reach Your Audience
François was a master of adapting his message to suit the needs of his audience. When people in the Calvinist Chablais region wouldn’t come to hear him preach, he slipped pamphlets under their doors or posted them in public places. He wrote in a clear and relatable style, making deep theological truths accessible to ordinary people.
Advice for Today:
- Learn how to meet your audience where they are, whether through digital platforms, social media, podcasts, or traditional print media.
- Make your writing or reporting engaging and approachable, without diluting the core truths of the faith.
- Use creativity and innovation to reach those who might otherwise ignore the message.
5. Practice Humility in Your Work
François de Sales was deeply humble, recognizing that all success in his work came from God. He often reminded others that their talents and abilities were gifts to be used in service of God and neighbor, not for personal glory. In an era where self-promotion and branding are often emphasized, he would encourage Catholic communicators to remain humble and focused on their mission.
Advice for Today:
- Avoid the temptation to seek personal fame or recognition; instead, let your work glorify God.
- Be mindful of pride, and remember that your talent is a gift to serve others.
- Pray for guidance and entrust your work to God, asking Him to use it for His purposes.
6. Embrace Patience and Perseverance
François’s early missionary work in the Chablais was marked by years of slow progress, rejection, and hardship. Yet he persevered with patience and trust in God’s timing. Catholic writers and journalists today face similar challenges, whether it’s the slow pace of building an audience, dealing with criticism, or working in an industry that may not always value faith-based perspectives.
Advice for Today:
- Be patient with your work, trusting that even small efforts can bear fruit over time.
- Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejection; keep your focus on the long-term goal of serving God and others.
- Trust that God will guide your words to reach the people who need to hear them.
7. Foster Your Own Spiritual Life
François believed that a writer’s or communicator’s effectiveness depended on their interior life. He emphasized the importance of prayer, reflection, and staying close to God as the foundation for all fruitful communication.
Advice for Today:
- Spend time in prayer and reflection before beginning your work each day.
- Draw inspiration from Scripture, the sacraments, and the lives of the saints.
- Regularly examine your intentions: Are you writing or reporting to serve God and others, or for personal gain?
8. Use Media Responsibly and Prudently
While François did not live in an era of digital media, he would understand the enormous power of modern communication tools to shape public opinion and influence culture. He would caution Catholic writers and journalists to use these tools responsibly, always keeping their mission and audience in mind.
Advice for Today:
- Be mindful of the impact your words can have, especially in the digital age, where messages can spread rapidly.
- Avoid contributing to the culture of outrage, scandal, or gossip. Instead, focus on what is good, true, and beautiful.
- Use your platform to highlight stories of faith, hope, and redemption, offering a counter-narrative to the negativity often found in the media.
9. Cultivate the “Little Virtues”
François often spoke of the “little virtues” (humility, patience, kindness, simplicity, and cheerfulness) as essential to the Christian life. He would encourage Catholic writers and journalists to embody these virtues in their work and interactions with others.
Advice for Today:
- Treat colleagues, editors, and readers with respect and kindness, even when disagreements arise.
- Approach your craft with simplicity and sincerity, avoiding unnecessary complexity or pretension.
- Be cheerful and hopeful in your tone, reflecting the joy of the Gospel.
10. Trust in the Power of Your Words
François believed that words, when infused with truth and love, have the power to touch hearts and transform lives. He would remind Catholic writers and journalists that their work, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact.
Advice for Today:
- Trust that your words, guided by God’s grace, can reach people in ways you may never see or imagine.
- Remember that even a single article, story, or message can inspire someone to grow in faith or seek the truth.
Closing Reflection from St. François de Sales
“Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.”
For today’s Catholic writers and journalists, this quote serves as a reminder to embrace their unique role in God’s plan, using their talents with humility, love, and dedication to truth. In doing so, they can carry forward St. François de Sales’s legacy of compassionate and inspiring communication.
