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This mini-blog series will help you write your testimony, gain confidence in your delivery, break down common mindset barriers (get out of your head!), and gain inspiration from the saints.
Part 1: The Why and The How
Part 2: Practical Tips
Part 3: Mindset Roadblocks
Part 4: Facing Fears with the Saints
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How the Saints Overcame Fear in Evangelization (and How You Can Too!)
Many saints struggled with fear before boldly proclaiming the Gospel. Their stories remind us that evangelization isn’t about being fearless—it’s about trusting God despite our fears.
Here’s how they overcame their struggles… and we included a practical step you can take to move forward with them in faith!
1. St. Peter – From Fearful Denial to Bold Preaching
Fear: Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear of persecution (Luke 22:54-62).
How He Overcame It: After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter fearlessly preached to thousands, leading to mass conversions (Acts 2).
Practical Step: Ask God for forgiveness for past shortcomings, and pray to the Holy Spirit for the courage to try again.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with redeeming boldness, like You did for Peter.”
2. St. Paul – From Persecutor to Fearless Missionary
Fear: As a former persecutor of Christians, Paul likely would have felt unworthy of his new calling. Many early Christians were afraid of him at first!
How He Overcame It: He trusted in God’s mercy and grace, declaring, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
Practical Step: When you feel unworthy to share your faith, remember Paul’s transformation. Read Philippians 3:7-14 and reflect on how God can use your past for His glory.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with complete transformation so that I put you before all else, like You did for Paul.”
3. St. Moses the Black – From Criminal Past to Holiness
Fear: He had a violent criminal past and led a large gang before his conversion. He likely felt unworthy to share Christ.
How He Overcame It: He embraced a life of humility, prayer, and repentance, openly sharing his wisdom and profound conversion to bring others to Christ.
Practical Step: If you struggle with shame from your past, write down how God has changed you and be ready to share that part of your story with others.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with wisdom to use my talents for your glory, like You did for Moses.”
4. St. Augustine – Overcoming Intellectual Doubt
Fear: He doubted Christianity’s truth and feared letting go of worldly and sensual pleasures.
How He Overcame It: Through study, prayer, and the example of St. Ambrose, he embraced the faith and became one of the greatest defenders of Catholic teaching.
Practical Step: Read a section of Confessions by St. Augustine or go to confession to renounce the worldly attachments that prevent you from sharing your faith.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with knowledge and understanding of the truth that transforms my heart and mind, like You did for Augustine.”
5. St. Therese of Lisieux – Overcoming Fear of Smallness
Fear: She felt insignificant and questioned how she could make an impact.
How She Overcame It: She embraced her “Little Way,” showing that simple acts of love and faithfulness could evangelize hearts.
Practical Step: Share your faith through small acts—write a note of encouragement, pray for someone, or share a faith-based social media post.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, teach me a “Little Way” of evangelization, like You did for Therese.”
6. St. Francis of Assisi – Overcoming Fear of Rejection
Fear: He faced ridicule from his peers for renouncing his wealth and preaching radical poverty.
How He Overcame It: He trusted in God’s providence, attracting thousands to follow Christ.
Practical Step: Step out of your comfort zone—talk about your faith with someone new this week, even if you fear rejection.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with contagious joy in my relationships, like You did for Francis.”
7. St. Joan of Arc – Overcoming Fear of Criticism and Death
Fear: She was a young, uneducated peasant girl asked to lead an army—facing mockery and eventually execution.
How She Overcame It: She remained steadfast in her mission, declaring, “I am not afraid; I was born for this.”
Practical Step: Repeat her words to yourself when you feel hesitant to share your faith: “I am not afraid; I was born for this.”
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with persistent courage in all situations, like You did for Joan.”
8. St. Maximilian Kolbe – Overcoming Fear of Sacrifice
Fear: He faced the brutal realities of concentration camps and knew speaking up could cost his life.
How He Overcame It: He chose self-sacrificial love, offering his life for another prisoner.
Practical Step: Practice small sacrifices—offer up discomforts for someone’s conversion.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with sacrificial love for the good of another, like You did for Maximilian.”
9. St. Catherine of Siena – Overcoming Fear of Speaking Truth to Leaders
Fear: She was a young woman challenging popes and rulers—something unheard of in her time.
How She Overcame It: She relied on prayer and the conviction that truth must be spoken.
Practical Step: Speak truth with love—if you see a friend struggling in their faith, gently come alongside them in a spirit of accompaniment, not condemnation, and walk with them toward Christ.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with patient trust and conviction, like You did for Catherine.”
10. St. Kateri Tekakwitha – Overcoming Fear of Persecution
Fear: As a Native American convert to Catholicism, she faced rejection from her own people.
How She Overcame It: She chose Christ over comfort, living a life of prayer and evangelization despite social and familial isolation.
Practical Step: If you fear judgment for your faith, find a Catholic community or prayer group for support. Like St. Kateri, surround yourself with those who will help you grow in faith.
Prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with trust in your abiding presence, like You did for Kateri.”
A Litany of Saints
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with redeeming boldness, like You did for Peter.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with complete transformation so that I put you before all else, like You did for Paul.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with wisdom to use my talents for your glory, like You did for Moses.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with knowledge and understanding of the truth that transforms my heart and mind, like You did for Augustine.
Come, Holy Spirit, teach me a “Little Way” of evangelization, like You did for Therese.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with contagious joy in my relationships, like You did for Francis.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with persistent courage in all situations, like You did for Joan.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with sacrificial love for the good of another, like You did for Maximilian.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with patient trust and conviction, like You did for Catherine.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with trust in your abiding presence, like You did for Kateri.
Final Encouragement
Each of these saints faced fear, self-doubt, or opposition—just like we do today. But, by cooperating with God’s grace, they didn’t let those fears stop them from sharing the Gospel.
You don’t need to be perfect to evangelize; you just need to trust him and open your heart.
Which saint’s story resonates with you the most? Who will be your “patron saint” in this journey?
Take one practical step this week to follow in their footsteps!
Paschal Disciples 