With the very toxic air we have in the arena of public opinion, we need some saint as patron or intercessor who can help us in talking especially about hot-button issues related not so much in politics or business as in matters of faith and morals.
A number of saints in this regard can come to mind. To mention a few, we can cite St. Bernardine of Siena who is recognized as a patron saint of public relations; St. Francis de Sales who is known as patron saint of writers and journalists; and St. John Chrysostom who is dubbed the “Golden-Mouthed,” known for his skills in public preaching and public advocacy.
But I would like to highlight, in this regard, St. Catherine of Siena (1347-180) who was a Dominican tertiary, mystic and Doctor of the Church. She was known for her spiritual writings, like “The Dialogue” that has become a big influence in the spiritual lives of many people. She also advised popes and worked for Church unity, especially during a chaotic time of the Church. She promoted peace and cared for the poor.
Her memorial is celebrated on April 29. And it may be a good idea to develop a certain devotion to her, if only to imitate her way of intervening with charity but also with clarity that would have good impact on the Church and the society in general.
Yes, she fearlessly intervened in Church and political affairs, mediating disputes, giving counsels to leaders, and at the time when the Pope was in Avignon, she urged him to return to Rome.
Especially for those actively involved in journalism, social media and public opinion, she can be invoked for courage, charity with clarity, and for that delicate art of how to blend prayer with public action.
It cannot be denied that public opinion should be guided by Christian values and charity. No matter how deep and strong our differences and conflicts of views and preferences are, the common pursuit for truth in charity should be upheld. There definitely is a need to give-and-take, and for a healthy and courteous dialogue. We should always promote unity and fairness rather than negativity.
If we have to be true and consistent to our Christian identity, we should also be actively involved in the world of public opinion. That’s where a lot of action is taking place these days, action that both reflects the flowing signs of the time and helps to shape them.
The world of public opinion nowadays precisely needs the presence and active involvement of committed Christians. It now is in great need of the indispensable contribution of faith and religion, since at the moment it is becoming a metastasizing blob of views and positions that confuse people more than enlighten them.
The topics and issues discussed there are not anymore merely economic, social or political, but do have eminently spiritual and moral implications. There´s a lot of ignorance, confusion, outright error and, yes, malice, insofar as the spiritual and moral dimensions are concerned.
We cannot deny that in matters of opinion we will always have differences and conflicts. We just have to learn how to be civil in arguing our points and in sorting out the differences. We have to learn this art, now so relevant and urgent given the growing complexity of our times. What we should avoid is to fall into extreme biases and prejudices that would compromise a healthy dialogue. (Fr. Roy Cimagala)
