Just A Minute: Octocentenary

Every year in the churches, October 4th is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (1181/2-1226). This year Christians around the world have been celebrating Francis’ life and remembering the mind-boggling eight-hundred-year anniversary of his death. The great saint has been everywhere―but have we heard his message?

 Originally from a very wealthy family, Francis later embraced humility, simplicity and prayer. And making friends with all these led him to an enlightened view of life and a different perspective on the world. He began to see himself and all living creatures as part of creation, rather than separate from it: ‘in it’ rather than ‘looking at it’.

 Francis got close to nature and was touched by its staggering beauty and intrinsic value - as we must today if we are to save the planet.

 Stephen Need