By Fr Mathew Edattu MSFS

The first chapter of the thesis began by understanding the concept of holiness which is defined from different angles. Biblical notion of holiness, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, are explained with its significance related to Christian living. Universal Call to holiness in the teaching of the Fathers of the church, especially, from the writings of St Augustine, Clement of Alexandria, and Ignatius of Antioch were evaluated and drawn out the relevance these teachings in our time. Second Vatican Council document Lumen gentium which deals with the topic ‘universal call to holiness.’ exhorted the laity that they are called to work constantly towards their salvation. This is to be achieved by living in this world while carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their secular vocation. The Church documents stress the importance of holiness in the life of the laity in their pursuit to their destiny. To further substantiate this universal call to holiness, the paper in its journey to reach its end goal elucidated points relevant from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Grace and Justification,” besides from various other documents of the Church and pastoral letters in which the thesis explicated the need of a universal holiness.

The second chapter dealt with the life sketch of Francis dc Sales and went further through analysing the notion of holiness in the historical context at the time of Francis de Sales and found the revolutionized teaching and writings of the Gentleman Saint which reflects the idea of salvation achievable for all. For every human being, holiness begins with conversion and continues with re-affirmation of the firm decision to be holy in the particular context in which one lives. Love of God and love of neighbour lived out in charity plays a vital role in our way to holiness which is a constant struggle and ongoing process. His writings emphasise how to respond to the universal call to holiness in everyone's given situation and to join in His plan of salvation for all. The core message of Francis de Sales to the humanity depicted in claim that the call to holiness is for all, which is significant as we face the challenges from globalization, digital medias of communication, fundamentalism and secularism in leading a life of holiness in the modem world.

The third chapter is divided into four parts began with papal teachings on universal call to holiness. St John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis exhort the humanity to respond to this divine call to holiness. Pope Francis teaching, that call to holiness is offered to all and even those who deny the existence of God are also included in this plan of salvation is revolutionary. We identified that there are different dimensions of these challenges. First of all challenges from within oneself, namely, natural instincts, temptations, biological and psychological cravings bring challenges from within. Secondly challenges from family and other social institutions arc portrayed. Present social realm poses serious confrontation with the life of holiness of the individuals. The third part of the chapter deals with the relevance of holiness in this third millennium. Ever growing importance of holiness in life illustrated in the Word of God, in teaching of the fathers of the Church, writings of Francis de Sales and from the values of the Gospels are enumerated. A new hermeneutic approach is portrayed in the last part of this chapter. The creation story depicts our oneness and universal brotherhood founded on God the creator and Father of all. Holiness presupposes love of God and it enriches human beings with grace of God. The New Testament explicates that salvation is offered to all (Jn 12:32; 1 Tim 2:4ff; 1 Tim 4:10; Titus 2:11). Second Vatican Council has accepted the possibility of salvation in o t h e r religions or the traits of salvation outside the church (LG 16, AG 7, GS 22).). In this renewed world view of the Church concerning salvation enables us to widen the perspective of universal call to holiness without any barriers or boundaries. It confirms the teaching of Francis de Sales that it is an error to exclude anyone from the possibility of leading a life of holiness. The theological concepts “Anonymous Christians” and “That All Men be Saved,” are portrayed in conformity with the concept of universal call to holiness.