Recently I read the Encyclical of Pope Pius XI on Saint Francis de Sales presented following the 300th anniversary of his death on January 26, 1923. Pope Francis is to issue a letter to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis on December 28.
In his encyclical, Pope Pius XI declared Saint Francis the Patron Saint of all Writers. Pius XI began this work by stating, “The great need of our day is to curb the unmeasured desires of humankind, desires which are the fundamental cause of wars and dissensions, which act, too, as a dissolving force in social life and international relations.”
Don't you find these words strikingly relevant for our world in our day? I won't provide a grocery list of all that makes our world seem at least mildly crazy. For many of us, finding a way to cope with our world's situation is overwhelming, leaving many with a sense of helplessness and even hopelessness.
Pius XI identifies a remedy to this heavy burden in the beauty and grace found in the writings and life of Saint Francis de Sales. The remedy is the virtue of meekness (gentleness), which Francis held as essential for imitating Christ. By his admission, Francis found this virtue challenging, especially since he admits to a quick temper and ready anger. Turning our hearts from anger, frustration and annoyance, to gentleness toward our neighbor and ourselves is a tough road.
Pope Pius XI writes:
“The meekness (gentleness) of Saint Francis should be held up to the faithful in a very special way for their imitation, for this virtue recalls to our minds so well and expresses so truly the kindness of Jesus Christ. It possesses, too, in a remarkable degree, the power to bind souls one to another. This virtue, wherever it is practiced among men, tends primarily to settle the differences, both public and private, which so often separate us. Likewise, can we not hope that, through the practice of this virtue which we rightly call the external sign of the inner possession of divine love, there will result in perfect peace and concord both in family life and among nations?”
Advent leads us to consider the meekness (gentleness) of the Holy Family, so well reflected in every manger scene this season. Lowly animals, simple shepherds, a manger, and the Prince of Peace can lead us to rest in the gentleness of Christ and bring to our world the hope expressed by Pius XI in promoting the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales.
Here are some maxims from Francis de Sales that may help us model the gentleness of Christ and the Gentleman Saint.
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness— nothing so loving and gentle as strength.” The Spirit of Saint François de Sales, IV, 9
“It takes more oil than vinegar to make a good salad.” The Spirit of Saint François de Sales, II, 13
“When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.” Letters to Persons in Religion, I, 6
“He who can preserve gentleness amid pains, and peace amid the worry and multitude of affairs, is almost perfect.” Letters to Persons in Religion, II, 25
Father Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province
