A review of the book The Virtue of Affability or Friendliness and Its Relevance in Modern Evangelization by Anne DeSantis (En Route Books and Media, 2024).
The Virtue of Affability or Friendliness and Its Relevance in Modern Evangelization offers a much-needed corrective to the polarized extremes within the Church that often overlook its rich tradition of grace-filled, joyful witness to the Faith. By grounding evangelization in the gifts of the Holy Spirit—gentleness, patience, kindness, and above all, charity—a respectful dialogue can flourish, fostering deeper friendship, mutual understanding, and genuine enrichment among individuals who might otherwise remain religious or ideological opponents. As Catholic philosopher Blaise Pascal wisely observed, Christians can sometimes “make truth itself into an idol,” but “truth apart from charity is not God, but his image; it is an idol which must in no way be loved or worshipped.” (Pensées, B 582, L 926.)
Echoing St. John Paul II’s vision for building a “civilization of love,” expressed in his reflections on the jubilee of the third millennium and his encyclical Ut Unum Sint (“that they may all be one”), this work demonstrates that true mission is neither timid nor coercive. Instead, it is firmly anchored in respect for the dignity of every human person. Pope Francis embodies this approach through his approachable smile, merciful heart, and tender spirit—an example that renews confidence in the Church and her mission. Notably, under his pontificate, the Church’s growth has surpassed the global population replacement rate.
Drawing on vivid examples throughout history—such as Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose simple friendships became profound channels of grace—Dr. DeSantis illustrates how everyday acts of empathy, hospitality, and sincere accompaniment cultivate authentic holiness. She also cautions that neglecting the virtue of friendliness weakens Christian witness, creating unnecessary barriers and reinforcing negative perceptions about Christians, such as hypocrisy or the oft-repeated slogan, “no hate like Christian love,” when hollow rhetoric overshadows caritas.
In an age yearning for sincerity and sacrificial love, the virtue of affability emerges as a vital antidote to the culture of despair and death. It offers a compelling and vibrant model of evangelization rooted in warmth, integrity, and genuine Christian love.
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Andrew Likoudis is a Catholic scholar whose work spans ecclesiology, ecumenism, and liturgy. He serves as Digital Editor of Where Peter Is, holding an M.A. in Catholic Studies from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a B.S. in Communication Studies from Towson University.
He organized and edited Faith in Crisis: Critical Dialogues in Catholic Traditionalism, Church Authority, and Reform, a 40-chapter volume with a foreword by Rocco Buttiglione, praised in Word on Fire's Evangelization & Culture journal as "an impressive labor of love," drawing some thirty contributors—among them Robert Cardinal Sarah, Timothy O'Malley, Jimmy Akin, and Mike Aquilina.
His most recent authored book is To His Face: Indefectibility and the Problem of Dissent (En Route Books, 2026), with a foreword by Robert Fastiggi and an afterword by Emmett O'Regan. His recent editorial work includes the fiftieth-anniversary edition of Yves Congar's Challenge to the Church: The Case of Archbishop Lefebvre (En Route Books, 2026), which he edited and introduced (foreword by Larry Chapp), and the third edition of Ending the Byzantine Greek Schism (Emmaus Road, 2026), with a foreword by Scott Hahn.
Andrew is the grandson of Catholic apologist James Likoudis, President Emeritus of Catholics United for the Faith (CUF), and the nephew and godson of Paul Likoudis, longtime editor of The Wanderer, the oldest national Catholic weekly in the US.
In all he has authored, edited, or compiled twelve volumes on Catholic ecclesiology and the papacy, and has published more than fifty articles in outlets including the National Catholic Register, Catholic Review, Philosophy Now, and Where Peter Is.
As founder and president of the Likoudis Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) research institute, he directs its journal, The Kydones Review. He writes at Tradition & Renewal on Substack and is a parishioner at America's First Cathedral.
He enjoys kayaking, bachata, tennis, and chess.
More at andrewlikoudis.com.
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