Imagine a man, in the heart of winter, walking at night through the villages of the Alps, leaving handwritten flyers under the doors. That tireless communicator was Saint Francis de Sales, and his message of hope has crossed the centuries to speak to us still today.
On the occasion of the Jubilee of Communication (January 24-26, 2025), celebrated in conjunction with his feast day today, we want to let ourselves be enlightened by this saint who, between the 16th and 17th centuries, knew how to use every means at his disposal to bring the message of God's merciful love to as many people as possible.
Patron saint of journalists
Saint Francis de Sales was chosen as the patron saint of journalists because he is an exemplary communicator who knew how to convey Christian values with love and compassion. Indeed, his gentle and loving approach to communication brought about a true revolution in his time.
He was convinced that dialogue could overcome every barrier, and his certainty that the divine presence dwells in every person never allowed him to become discouraged in the face of difficulties and rejection.
A legacy that is still relevant
His legacy as a communicator is still relevant, especially during this Jubilee of Communication.
Indeed, the aim of this Jubilee is to reflect on the importance of communication in conveying hope and trust in a world marked by challenges and crises. And Saint Francis de Sales, through his teaching, reminds us that every word, written or spoken, can be an act of mercy and hope.
A master of communication
Saint Francis de Sales had developed a genuine communication strategy. Let us see how his “techniques” can also help us.
• Use of communication media: he used pamphlets (short writings) and letters to spread his teachings.
Today, we could be inspired by him by using social media, blogs, and other digital tools to communicate Christian values with kindness and gentleness.
• Dialogue and Tolerance: he promoted peaceful dialogue and religious tolerance during a period of great tension.
Even today, in a world that is often divided, it is essential to promote dialogue and mutual respect, especially online through respectful, calm, and constructive language.
• Simplicity: he explained complex concepts in a simple and understandable way.
Even today, as Christians, we are called to communicate our faith clearly and simply in everyday life, without setting ourselves up as teachers or experts, but standing alongside our brothers and sisters as fellow travelers who wish to share the beauty of having found “the treasure hidden in the field”.
• Patience and love: he showed patience and love for others, seeking to build bridges of communication with everyone.
In a world where divisive aggression is replacing constructive dialogue, Saint Francis de Sales reminds us that at home, in the family, at school, at work, in the parish, and on social media channels, we are called to be witnesses and bearers of love and respect, helping to build a society capable of peace and reconciliation.
Saint Francis de Sales reminds us that communicating is not only about transmitting information, but also involves a web of respectful relationships rooted in mutual understanding; that Christian values cannot remain confined within our small personal boundaries, but must find expressive space in the concrete actions of daily life and, as he certainly would have done, must also be conveyed through social media channels.
In this Jubilee, we want to commit ourselves to becoming “Salesian” in communication through kindness, love, respect, understanding, dialogue…?
