Archbishop Celli celebrates the feast of St. Francis de Sales

“When you talk from your heart, you touch the lives of those listening to you. If you talk with your mouth, only the ears can hear what you are saying.” This is how Archbishop Maria Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications explained the feast and teachings of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers. According to Archbishop Celli, “In his preaching and writings, St. Francis de Sales always spoke from his heart.”

Speaking to Vatican Radio’s English Service for Africa, Archbishop Celli emphasised the importance of communication that espouses true human values because of its proximity. Archbishop Celli says, “Although at the time of St. Francis de Sales there was neither radio nor social networks, he used the media of his time effectively,” Archbishop Celli said.

The President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications finds parallels between the message of Pope Francis and that of St. Francis de Sales: “Pope Francis is also of the same orientation as St. Francis de Sales. Pope Francis tells us that communication has to promote a culture of encountering people.” Archbishop Celli emphasised.

During his life-time and especially as a Bishop in Switzerland, in the 16th and 17th Century, St. Francis de Sales distributed religious tracts that had great impact on Protestants. Many people returned to the Catholic faith through his preaching, teaching and writings. St. Frances de Sales carried out spiritual direction both in person and in written correspondence. His most famous work is the book, “Introduction to the Devout Life.”

As a patron saint of writers, the Feast of St. Francis de Sales is used traditionally for the release of the Pope’s annual message for World Communications Day.

The Feast of St. Francis de Sales falls on 24 January. The Pontifical Council for Social Communications, this year, anticipated this Feast day with a Mass in the Vatican. Several media houses and students of social communications based in Rome, attended the Mass. After the Mass, the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications presented Pope Francis’ Message for World Communications Day 2015, at a press conference. The theme of this year’s message is: “Communicating the Family – a Privileged Place of Encounter with the Gift of Love.”

(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)