ARTICLE – Did St. Francis Really Say It?

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ARTICLE – Did St. Francis Really Say It?

April 23, 2025 by Pierre-Alain Giffard News, Recommended Texts

You’ve likely heard it quoted in sermons, seen it on inspirational posters, or read it in books on Christian living: “Preach with our actions and use words if necessary.” The phrase carries an air of quiet holiness, a challenge to live the Gospel without boasting about it. It’s widely credited to St. Francis of Assisi. But what if—he never said it?

That’s where the story starts to unravel.

Despite its widespread appeal, there is no historical record of St. Francis ever uttering those exact words. None of his surviving writings contain it. Not even the earliest biographers—those who walked beside him, who recorded his actions and sayings with reverence—mention such a phrase.

And yet, it feels so Franciscan, doesn’t it?

Indeed, St. Francis did embody the Gospel through radical poverty, deep humility, and an unwavering love for all of creation. His life was a living sermon. But here’s the twist: St. Francis was also a fiery preacher, known to speak in marketplaces, on hillsides, even to birds if no one else would listen. He used words constantly—and deliberately—to stir hearts toward God.

So where did this quote come from?

Scholars suggest it’s a later interpretation, an echo of his spirit, not a citation of his speech. It summarizes a truth, but not the whole truth. And this distinction is crucial.

Now consider this: what if the apostles had embraced only silent witness? What if Paul had chosen a quiet life of good deeds instead of traveling to foreign cities, debating in synagogues, writing urgent letters?

We would not have heard the Gospel.

As Romans 10:17 reminds us: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Words matter. Without them, the Good News remains unknown.

The Book of Acts and the epistles tell the real story—a story of proclamation. Of fishermen turned preachers. Of voices raised in streets and squares. Of bold, vocal evangelization that pierced hearts and built the Church.

Yes, actions speak. But the Gospel was never meant to be mime.

In the end, the quote—though compelling—only tells half the story. The saints preached not only with their lives but also with their lips. The power of Christian witness lies in the union of both.

So the next time you hear, “Preach with our actions and use words if necessary,” pause. Remember Francis. Remember Paul. And remember this:

Words were necessary then. They are necessary now.

Pierre-Alain Giffard
pierre.alain.giffard@gmail.com 

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