Catechesis and Storytelling: A Franciscan Perspective

In this article we want to explore how effective storytelling can assist in the work of catechesis and also examine the roots of storytelling within the Franciscan tradition. Let us begin with St. Francis. About those who minister the Word of God, St. Francis said: “The preacher must first secretly draw in by prayer what he later pours out in sacred preaching; he must first of all grow warm on the inside or he will speak frozen words on the outside.”[1] Tis is enlightened advice, as well, for catechists, religious education teachers and others who have the opportunity to minister the Word of God. That is, before speaking, teaching or preaching, one needs to set aside adequate time for prayer to draw in deeply God’s inspiration and listen to the Word.