St Francis of Assisi “the Second Christ” led an integrated life on earth following Christ his master. His life itself, i.e., his God experience, fraternity, and cosmic embrace are a message and an inspiration for us to lead an integrated religious life.
The motto of St. Francis was
‘All are brothers and sisters and one family.
2. St Francis of Assisi “the Second
Christ” led an integrated life on
earth following Christ his
master. His life itself, i.e., his
God experience, fraternity, and
cosmic embrace are a message
and an inspiration for us to lead
an integrated religious life.
3. The motto of St. Francis
was
‘All are brothers and
sisters and one family.’
9. In the circle of his friends there
were birds, animals, trees,
plants, sun, moon, stars and
other creatures. He loved the
birds and animals because
they reminded him of the
humility and meekness of our
lord Jesus Christ.
11. Francis once saw a flock of birds in a
field. Drawing near, he said: “Praise the
Lord, my little sisters!” He talked and
listened. Francis told them that they
should be thankful for their food, their
sweet voices, their wings and the other
good things God had given them. At the
end of the sermon, he blessed them and
they all flew away singing joyfully.
13. Francis and the Cricket
Near Francis’ cell there was a cricket
chirping sweetly in a fig tree. At
times he would kindly call it to
himself, saying: “My sister cricket,
come to me.”
“Sing my sister cricket, and praise
your Creator with a joyful song.”
14. But when the saint
would come down
from his cell, he
would always touch
it with his hands and
command it to sing,
and it was always
ready to obey his
commands.
16. Francis showed tender love
towards the fish. When the
fishes were caught and
presented to him, he put
them back into the water
telling them, to be careful or
they might be caught again
17. If wild animals caught in a trap and were
brought to Francis, he treated them gently and
sent them away. A little hare at Greceio and a
rabbit at Perugia sensed his affection. So
strongly that when they were set free, stayed
near him instead of returning to the forest.
21. Francis prevented his brothers
from cutting down whole tree
when they cut wood, and
destroying it, in order that it
still might have chance of
sprouting again.
23. His ‘canticle of the Sun’
deals with praises in which
he praised God for the
beauty and usefulness of
all aspects of the created
world. In this particular
poem, he praises many
inanimate creations.
24. He is addressing the fire
as ‘Brother Fire.
Mother or sister Earth.
Brother sun
Sister water
Sister moon and the stars
Brother wind etc
26. ).
Franciscans are expected to show a deep
sense of human solidarity and of God’s love
and mercy towards all God’s creatures. We
are called to a commitment for justice,
peace and the integrity of creation. This is
the essential part of our Franciscan
vocation.
27. St. Francis had a respectful love for
all animals like-birds,fishes,
cricket,etc and he showed special
care to protect them. We should love
and protect nature and live in close
relation with it
28. As a Franciscan, I have the
responsibility to plant new saplings in
our houses and we should encourage
others to do the same. Francis was a
lover of flowers. I too called to spread
this fragrance in our own communities
and wherever I am. As a part of plant
kingdom I can cultivate vegetables
without any after effects.
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32. As a protector of inanimate beings, I
have the responsibility to keep up
rivers without pollution. Through
awareness classes, we can make
understand them not to pollute water
with waste things. Deforestation is a
threat of today. As a remedial measure,
I can contact with the concerned
authorities and support those who are
fighting to protect the nature.
34. Avoid usage of plastics
Be careful in the usage of
water
Do not throw wastes
ouside.
Instead of using bulbes,
use CFL.
35. Once St. Francis said, we have not yet
begun brothers; it is the time of us to begin.
It is a time for a new song, a new theme, a
new path, and a new response.
we have to follow the footprints of St.
Francis and show brotherness and sisterness
to all.
