Patron saint of ecology
St. Francis of Assisi was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy, and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers.
As someone who saw God reflected in nature, St. Francis was a great lover of God’s creation. He believed that nature was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters” and even preached to the birds and supposedly stopped a wolf from attacking the locals in return for food. His deep sense of brotherhood under God embraced others and he declared that “he considered himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died”.
On 29 November 1979, Pope John Paul II declared Francis the patron saint of ecology. On 28 March 1982, John Paul II said that Francis “love and care was a reminder “not to behave like dissident predators where nature is concerned, but to assume responsibility for it”. On World Peace Day 1990, the same Pope wrote that St Francis “invited all of creation – animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon – to give honour and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assisi gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God, we are better able to devote ourselves to building up that peace with all creation which is inseparable from peace among all peoples.”
St Francis reminds us that we have a responsibility as caretakers of the earth to protect and care for all of God’s creation.
Located at St Mary’s Parish Church, Great Witchingham, Norwich NR9 5PL (visit website)
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