SALESIAN LITERATURE

Humility and Gentleness

Theological Investigations

in the writings of SFS

By John Sankarathil

ISBN 81-7086-486-0

By presenting the virtues of humility and-gentleness, we intend to demonstrate how Francis’ spirituality can make our life better by finding God in our ordinary, day-to-day situations!

The first chapter offers an extended exposition of Francis’ understanding and development of his theology of virtues with a special emphasis on the little virtue.

The second chapter proceeds from the concept of virtues to a more specific study of the virtue of humility. It presents the foundations of the saint’s thought on humility and elucidates its various nuances

The third chapter is a thematic study of the virtue of gentleness. In order to substantiate its relevance, we clarify certain terms and terminologies to understand clearly what this virtue means in the Salesian tradition. We discuss also gentleness in comparison with other virtues

In the fourth chapter we derive some conclusions from our research on these two virtues. We try to synthesize how these two virtues can be used as a paradigm to empower ourselves spiritually. Taking into consideration the existential and practical relevance of Francis’ spiritual theology, we make an effort to demonstrate the Salesian contribution for making our life better by each day!

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

PREFACE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I: REDISCOVERING THE SALESIAN DYNAMICS OF THE VIRTUES

1. Introduction

2. Historical Context: A Bird’s eye View

2.1. Religious and Social Milieu

2.2. Development of Francis’Theology

3. Dynamics of Virtues

3.1. Interrelated Character of Virtue

3.2. Virtues in Every State in Life

3.3. Interior Character of Virtues

3.4. Virtues’ Integral Relationship with Charity

3.5. Ordinary Dimension of Virtues

3.6. Theological Virtues in Salesian Tradition

3.7. Cardinal Virtues in Francis’ View

4. Concept of Little Virtues

5. Humility and Gentleness: Francis’ Key Concept

6. Francis’ View on Acquiring Virtues

6.1. Method of Practising Virtues

6.2. Virtues: Antidotes to Vices

6.3. Moderation in Practising Virtues

6.4. Perseverance in Practising Virtues

7. Personal Witness of Humility and Gentleness

7.1. Francis’ Self-Acceptance

7.2. Gentle and Humble Relationships

8. Personal Reflection and Conclusion

CHAPTER II AN OVERVIEW OF SALESIAN HUMILITY

1. Introduction

2. Salesian Humility: A Bird’s Eye View

2.1. Humility Towards God

2.1.1. Humility: Total Dependence on God

2.1.2. Humility: Acceptance of Truth

2.1.3. Humility: Love of One’s Abjection

2.1.4. Humility: Self Acceptance

2.2. Exterior Humilit

2.3. Interior Humility

2.4. Degrees of Humility

2.4.1. Self-Knowledge

2.4.2. Acknowledgement

2.4.3. Admittance and Confession

2.4.4. Loving Contempt

2.4.5. Desiring Contempt [L’amour de Complaisance]

2.5. Humility and Other Virtues

2.5.1. Humility and Charity

2.5.2. Humility and Confidence

2.5.3. Humility and Generosity

2.5.4. Humility and Obedience

2.5.5- Humility and Patience

2.5.6. Humility and Simplicity

2.6. . Dimensions of Humility

2.6.1. Humility Towards Oneself

2.6.2. Humility Towards Others

2.7. Humility: A Realistic Approach

2.8. Distinctive Characteristics of Humility

3. Personal Reflection and Conclusion

CHAPTER III: SALESIAN GENTLENESS: THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

1. Introduction

2. Salesian Gentleness

2.1. Terminology: Clarification

2.2. Gentleness of Heart: Salesian Dynamics

2.2.1. Gentleness Towards Others

2.2.2. Gentleness Towards oneself

2.3. Gentleness and Other Virtues

2.3.1. Gentleness and Charity

2.3.2. Gentleness and Confidence

2.3.3. Gentleness and Patience

2.3.4. Gentleness and Obedience

2.3.5. Gentleness and Humility

2.3.6. Gentleness and Simplicity

2.4. Gentleness: Dynamics and Challenges

2.4.1. Gentleness in Little and Everyday Actions

2.4.2. Gentleness and Ordinary Life Situations

2.4.3. Gentleness and Freedom of Spirit [liberte d'esprit]

2.4.4. Gentleness: Winning Hearts

2.4.5. Gentleness: Peace amidst Failures and a Busy Life

2.5. Gentleness as Strength

2.6. Salesian Way of Practising Gentleness

2.7. Gentleness: Relevance and Importance Today

2.8. Specific Qualities of Gentleness

3. Personal Reflection and Conclusion

CHAPTER IV: HUMILITY AND GENTLENESS: A PARADIGM FOR SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT

1. Introduction

2. Humility and Gentleness: Relevance & Importance

3. Humility and Gentleness in Everyday life

3.1. Dynamic Self-Acceptance

3.2. Accentuate the Positive

3.3. Prophetic Dimension

3.4. Living in the Present Moment

3.5. Finding God’s will in Everyday life

3.6. Making our Life New in God

4. Humility and Gentleness in Today’s context

4.1. Realistic Attitude

4.2. Courage: Dynamics of Challenges in Life

4.3. ‘Can Do’ Spirituality

4.4. Relational Spirituality

4.5. Spiritual Empowerment

5. Personal Reflection and Conclusion

GENERAL CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY