St. Francis was known for his love of creation and its creatures. This awareness led to Pope John Paul II issuing a papal bulletin on November 29, 1979, declaring St. Francis of Assisi the Patron Saint of Ecology.

In “The Canticle of Creatures,” Francis sang the praises of God for all of creation, naming his family “Sir Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon and Stars,” “Brother Wind,” and “Sister Water.” Francis’s understanding of God’s presence in creation was a reflection of his relationship with the Divine and his great love of God.

The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated October 4. With the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Season of Creation, with its theme ‘Peace with Creation’ comes to a close. St. Francis modeled living in peace with creation. Let us strive to do the same.