35 years ago Blessed John Paul II recognized St. Francis of Assisi as the patron of ecology. How appropriate on this commemoration of Earth Day, April 22, that we pray to the saint who composed the Canticle of the Creatures and the man who affirmed the saint of ecology who himself will soon be a saint!
In anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Blessed John Paul II recognizing Francis as a powerful intercessor for pondering the interaction of organisms and the environment, the Franciscan Friars Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Office in Rome created a new web site to assist us in celebrating that event. On March 22nd, World Water Day, this new site went live: www.francis35.org.
Resources are available in various languages, and include a reflection on the celebration, the Pope’s declaration naming Francis the patron of ecology, a Eucharistic celebration, an ecumenical prayer, norms for an inter-religious celebration, a Mayan Cross Prayer, Prayers of the Faithful and an article on Franciscan Spirituality.
The official anniversary of Francis’ becoming the saint of ecology comes on November 29th.
Celebrate Earth Day! St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed John Paul II, pray for us and our beloved planet earth!
