The Franciscan Way

In the encyclicals, Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis encourages us to recognize the connection between human beings, God and nature and to understand what our responsibilities are to each other and the environment. He calls for more human fraternity and solidarity. In these documents, the connection with creation and how we live our lives, includes the need to value the equality of every person as a creation of God, our Creator.

I share with you two ways that seem to be most prominent and I offer a third possibility.  There is the view that the earth is mainly for our use. Several examples are the current wars between Russia and Ukraine, a takeover of other people’s homeland and culture for the sake of power. People are dying, lands are being destroyed, schools and hospitals are being bombed. 

Another example is the ongoing destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest which supplies twenty percent of the world’s oxygen. This is being done by big business, basically for money.

Another viewpoint is the one in which people are appreciative of creation and are tending to the earth. They are becoming more attentive to what damage is being done and are responding by advocating on behalf of the earth’s need. People are now recycling, conserving, using renewable energy, and planting gardens and becoming more aware and critical of what needs to be done for a healthy environment.

The third viewpoint is the Franciscan Way. It is in the outlook of St. Francis to give praise and gratitude to the Creator. Franciscans believe that we are brother and sister to each other and to all of creation. 

We share the same Creator!

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  The Canticle of Creation

Most High, all-powerful, all good Lord!

All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessings, To you alone, Most High, do they belong, No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name. Be praised, My Lord, through all Your creatures, especially through my Lord Brother Sun, Who brings the day; and You give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars.In the heavens ✛

You made them bright, precious and beautiful, Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms and All the weather through which You give your creatures sustenance. Be praised my Lord, through Sister Water; She is very useful and humble and precious and pure. Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister, Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong. ✛

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,Who feeds us and rules us. And produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You; Through those who endure sickness and trial.Happy those who endure in peace, For by you, Most High, they will be crowned. ✛

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death, From those whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them. Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, And serve him with great humility.

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"Be praised, My Lord, through all Your creatures, especially through my Lord Brother Sun."

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