Francis, the Friend of Nature

10-06-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

St. Francis of Assisi, also known as Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, was born in either 1181 or 1182 and is considered one of the most cherished saints in the Christian tradition. Francis grew up in a wealthy household in Assisi, Italy, and enjoyed a lavish, carefree lifestyle during his early years. Nevertheless, his time in battle, captivity, and sickness, along with a spiritual revelation, caused him to give up his material belongings and commit fully to a life of destitution and worship of God. He established the Franciscan Order in 1209, promoting simplicity, humility, and concern for the marginalized.

St. Francis’ lasting spirituality was characterized by his strong bond with nature and animals. He saw everything in existence - people, animals, vegetation, natural forces - as interconnected, each a divine representation of God’s love and craftsmanship.

In his well-known Canticle of the Sun, he showed his love and respect for nature, calling the sun “Brother Sun,” the moon “Sister Moon,” and also identifying “Brother Wind” and “Sister Water.” This hymn expresses his conviction that every element in the natural world serves a distinctive and holy purpose in praising God.

St. Francis’ love for animals is one of the most renowned aspects of his life. Many stories highlight his deep spiritual connection with creatures and remarkable ability to foster harmony between humans and animals, the most famous being the tale of the wolf of Gubbio. In this story, a fierce wolf terrorized the town, attacking both people and animals. The frightened villagers sought Francis’s help, and instead of showing fear, he calmly spoke to the wolf, persuading it to live peacefully with the townspeople. In return, the villagers agreed to feed the wolf regularly.

St. Francis not only looked at animals with respect, but he also considered them as equals, frequently calling them his siblings. He thought that animals were pure and innocent, showing the divine beauty of their Creator.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II named him the Patron Saint of nature and ecology, acknowledging his deep reverence for the environment and his advocacy for caring for God’s creation. His memory endures with the yearly tradition of blessing animals on October 4th. The life of St. Francis shows us that taking care of nature is not just a kind gesture, but a holy responsibility and the significance of living in peace with the planet.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC