“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” – Saint Francis of Assisi

This quote never appears in Francis’s writings. Also, he probably wouldn’t have said it, because it contradicts the Bible:

How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear, without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent, as it is written: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 10:14-15

But then where does it come from? The Unconfirmed First Rule of St Francis (1209/10-1221), Chapter 17, has the following:

No brother may preach contrary to the forms and institutions of the holy church and unless it has been conceded to him by his minister. The minister must beware not to grant this concession to anyone indiscriminately. All the brothers, however, should preach by their actions. And no minister or preacher should appropriate to himself the ministry to the brothers or the office of preaching, but at whatever hour he is enjoined to do so he should give up his office without any objection.

Thus, the most likely explanation is that it originated from a misquote, of a draft rule, for how monks should behave in their preaching, by having the proper authority to do so.

Further reading / sources

• AppleSeeds article
• Saint Francis Rule 1221
• Douay-Rheims Bible