On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Father Raphaël Buyse has published a book titled L'Évangile à bas bruit (DDB), which takes the form of imaginary letters addressed to the saint. The book invites readers to re-examine the life of Saint Francis as a journey filled with detours, trials, and encounters, and to consider how this journey might offer insights into their own lives. According to the book, Saint Francis of Assisi continues to speak to people today through his thirst for radicalism, his choice of poverty, his trust in God through trials, his fraternal joy, and his wonder before every creature. Father Raphaël Buyse, a priest from the Diocese of Lille, describes Saint Francis as a "travel companion" and discusses what he calls the "chaotic journey" of the saint, which is composed of trials and encounters similar to those experienced in modern life. Following in the footsteps of Saint Francis, the priest invites readers to contemplate their lives not as a succession of failures or successes, but as a path where, step by step, they become what they are. In an interview with Aleteia, Father Buyse was asked what particularly touches him about Saint Francis. He responded that what is inspiring about Francis is his chaotic journey, which resembles that of many people today. He noted that people often spend their time making detours and that it is a common belief that Francis converted and changed after living a life driven by great chivalric ideals. However, Buyse suggests that life is not composed of two distinct phases, but rather a continued life where everything from the birth of Francis prepared him to become what he was at the deepest part of himself. He argues that life is a gradual process in which we become what we are, rather than changing our lives. Father Buyse also mentions that Saint Francis offers guidance on how to face difficult moments in life. He suggests that Saint Francis invites people to listen to the reality of life and to the present of their lives, rather than living in the past or projecting themselves into an unknown future. There is an invitation to welcome life as it comes, with the understanding that the events and encounters one experiences prepare the revelation of who they are. There is also an invitation to contemplate the present time and to love the present time. Father Buyse chose to write to Saint Francis in the form of imaginary letters. When asked if Saint Francis has answered him in some way, he said he is still waiting for direct answers, but believes that will be for the great face-to-face, if he ever meets the saint. He also believes that people's lives are an answer and that we are good news for each other. He is particularly touched by the figure of Abraham, who was called by God to become a blessing for others. He believes that we are, one for another, blessings, and that God often speaks to us through others rather than through a direct line. This requires genuine attention to those we meet. The book L'Évangile à bas bruit, Lettres ouvertes à François d'Assise by Raphaël Buyse was published by Desclée de Brouwer in September 2026 and is priced at 17.90 euros.