COMING TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH NEAR YOU. THE MISQUOTATION OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

COMING TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH NEAR YOU, THE MISQUOTATION OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

From this Sunday, with our new pope taking the name Francis, there is going to be an inevitable misinformation that is going to hit your church and in the best catechetal sense maybe we need to be ready for it.

What St. Francis did not say,

Preach the Gospel at all times if necessary UsING words.

See below for what he actually said.

It is always attributed to St. Francis and is intended to say that proclaiming the Gospel by example is more virtuous than actually proclaiming with voice. It is a quote that is often used by liberals (sorry for bringing that word up again) who are maybe too embarrassed to mention Christ in their conversations with non-believers, at risk of being unpolitically correct and offending people (in my experience very few are in fact ever offended).  It is also used by those who have had this falsehood passed down to them (it’s not their fault, but is easily rectified in conversation). The spirit behind it can be arrogant and intimates that those who "practice the Gospel" are more faithful to the faith than 'those who preach it'. In fact both things are essential, though ultimately proclaiming the gospel is absolutely paramount.

But here's the fact: Our good Francis never said such a thing.

So what did he actually say?

None of his disciples, early or later biographers have these words coming from his mouth. It doesn't show up in any of his writings. Not even close really. The closest comes from his Rule of 1221, Chapter XII on how the Franciscans should practice their preaching:

"No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulation of the holy Church nor unless he has been permitted by his minister. The minister should take care not to grant this permission to anyone indiscriminately. All the Friars , however, should preach by their deeds."

And finally……..

Romans 10:9

....that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ... 

Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.