The Holy Father has proclaimed 2025 a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, reflection, and grace celebrated every 25 years.
This year's theme is "Pilgrims of Hope," which invites all Catholics to embark on a journey of faith and transformation. Today, we're called to reflect and pray for all those involved in the World of Communications. Traditionally, this involved radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. Now, the world of communications has exploded to include the digital world, allowing people to communicate with people worldwide who share their particular interests.
Communicating Truth
But at the heart of communication, whether in our families, parishes, communities, schools, workplaces, or the many modes of traditional and digital forms, is the truth.
Yes, we communicate our opinions on different topics, everything from our favorite restaurants, sports teams, vacation spots, or the best way to beat the traffic.
But what matters most is that we communicate the truth about the most important aspects of life, beginning with our relationship with God and one another. Knowing objective truths keeps us and those who make a living in the field of communications grounded in living virtuous and holy lives.
A Master of Holy Communication
Today's saint, Saint Francis de Sales, was well acquainted with this theory and practice. As a Bishop, Confessor, spiritual adviser, and teacher, he began with knowing the Truth as revealed by God. As a young priest and then bishop, Saint Francis was faced with Martin Luther's Reformation as well as well as "….his own Geneva (being under the control of the Calvinists—requiring Father de Sales to preach and reside in a cathedral some twenty miles south of Geneva."
"As a newly ordained priest, he began to make a name for himself. His sermons were preached with gentlemanlike qualities, showing great respect for those who disagreed with him. He never shied away from the theological truths under attack by the errors of the Reformation. He avoided controversy and criticism, focusing instead on virtues, prayer, holiness, and overcoming sin."
(Saint Francis de Sales - My Catholic Life!)
A Model of Virtue
One of my favorite books that I read while in seminary is Saint Francis' "Introduction to the Devout Life," drawn from his letters to spiritual directees over the years. I loved how Saint Francis gave clear and practical advice on how to break the cycle of our repetitive sins through growing in the virtues, especially humility. The book also helps with how to navigate temptations and overcome anxiety and sadness.
I wish that I had read this book earlier because Saint Francis reminds the reader that holiness is not reserved for the monk alone but is something that every person, young and old and from every vocation, is meant to pursue and grow in…and it is achievable through God's grace and our seeking to love God and Glorify Him with our lives.
As we begin the journey of this Jubilee Year, Saint Francis de Sales's life and preaching offer us a message of hope grounded in humbly seeking the Truth of God and allowing it to shape our lives not just on Sundays but every day!
Saint Francis de Sales…. pray for us!
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
