Care for creation flowed naturally from Francis’ faith and from his deep love for God, whom he recognized as the Creator of all things. Because everything came from God’s hand, Francis learned to see all creatures as connected—and worthy of respect. Stories from Francis’s life make this vision concrete. He once told a gardener to leave the edges of a garden untouched so that wildflowers could grow freely. While walking, he would stop to lift worms from the road so they would not be crushed. He preached to the birds, rescued “Brother Rabbit” from a trap, and showed gentle care for animals that others might overlook.
Resources:
The Writings of Saint Francis, “The Canticle of the Creatures” (FA:ED I, p. 113)
The Remembrance of the Desire of the Soul by Thomas of Celano, Chapter CXXIV (FA:ED II, p. 353 - 354)
Bonaventure - The Major Legend of Saint Francis, Chapter 8:6 (FA:ED II, p. 590)
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