Nature and the environment Francis of Assisi

francis preached christian doctrine world created , beautiful god suffers need redemption because of human sin. believed creatures should praise god (a common theme in psalms) , people have duty protect , enjoy nature both stewards of god s creation , creatures ourselves. on november 29, 1979, pope john paul ii declared saint francis patron saint of ecology. many of stories surround life of saint francis had great love animals , environment.

a garden statue of francis of assisi birds

perhaps famous incident illustrates saint s humility towards nature recounted in fioretti ( little flowers ), collection of legends , folklore sprang after saint s death. said that, 1 day, while francis travelling companions, happened upon place in road birds filled trees on either side. francis told companions wait me while go preach sisters birds. birds surrounded him, intrigued power of voice, , not 1 of them flew away. portrayed bird, typically in hand.

another legend fioretti tells in city of gubbio, francis lived time, wolf terrifying , ferocious, devoured men animals . francis had compassion upon townsfolk, , went hills find wolf. soon, fear of animal had caused companions flee, though saint pressed on. when found wolf, made sign of cross , commanded wolf come him , hurt no one. miraculously wolf closed jaws , lay down @ francis feet.

brother wolf, harm in these parts , have done great evil , said francis. these people accuse , curse ... brother wolf, make peace between , people. francis led wolf town, , surrounded startled citizens made pact between them , wolf. because wolf had “done evil out of hunger, townsfolk feed wolf regularly. in return, wolf no longer prey upon them or flocks. in manner gubbio freed menace of predator. francis made pact on behalf of town dogs, not bother wolf again. finally, show townspeople not harmed, francis blessed wolf.

then during world environment day 1982, john paul ii said saint francis love , care creation challenge contemporary catholics , reminder not behave dissident predators nature concerned, assume responsibility it, taking care stays healthy , integrated, offer welcoming , friendly environment succeed us. same pope wrote on occasion of world day of peace, january 1, 1990, saint of assisi offers christians example of genuine , deep respect integrity of creation ... went on make point that: friend of poor loved god s creatures, saint francis invited of creation – animals, plants, natural forces, brother sun , sister moon – give honor , praise lord. poor man of assisi gives striking witness when @ peace god better able devote ourselves building peace creation inseparable peace among peoples.

pope john paul ii concluded section of document these words, hope inspiration of saint francis keep ever alive sense of fraternity , beautiful things almighty god has created.