Celebrating Sts. Cyril and Methodius on July 7.
Saints Cyril and Methodius, known as the Apostles to the Slavs, were 9th-century Greek brothers who brought Christianity to the Slavic peoples in a way that deeply respected their culture and language. Born in Thessalonica, they were not only missionaries, but also scholars and linguists. Their most lasting contribution was the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet, which laid the foundation for the Cyrillic script still used in many Slavic countries today.
Their missionary approach was revolutionary: they translated the Bible and liturgy into the local Slavic tongue, a move that was controversial at the time but rooted in a conviction that the Gospel must be accessible to all peoples in their own language and culture.
For Catholic professionals, especially those working across cultures, languages, or diverse teams, Cyril and Methodius exemplify what it means to respectfully engage difference for the sake of unity and truth. They didn’t impose their culture—they met people where they were, and elevated them with the Gospel. Their work was thoughtful, contextual, and compassionate.
In our careers, we’re often called to communicate across divides—be they cultural, ideological, or generational. The example of these two brothers teaches us to listen deeply, think creatively, and act courageously, all while staying rooted in Christ.
Let us follow their lead: be bridge-builders, evangelizers of culture, and professionals who carry faith into every language and labor of the world.