National Audubon Day: Unique St. Francis Birdhouses

St. Francis of Assisi would just love National Audubon Day! After all, he had a special relationship with God’s winged creatures as well as wolves, worms, etc.. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity celebrate this spirit of seeing the good in all creation. We share some favorite birdhouses that depict some lines of the Canticle of the Creatures, a classic poem written by this humble saint of Assisi.

There are stories that the  birds listened to Francis intently  and praised God for all creation. In the Little Flowers of St. Francis it reads “all the birds began to open their beaks, to stretch their necks, to spread their wings and reverently to bow their heads to the ground, endeavouring by their motions and by their songs to manifest their joy to St Francis.

And the saint rejoiced with them. He wondered to see such a multitude of birds, and was charmed with their beautiful variety, with their attention and familiarity, for all which he devoutly gave thanks to the Creator.”

Sister Caritas Strodthoff, a gifted-gardener, is the artist behind these feathered-friendly homes. She joins a faithful Sisterhood  of stewards who have cultivated the earth bringing forth flowers and foods a plenty. Some of our Sisters were also involved in local Audubon Society Chapters throughout the years. Happy National Audubon Day from all of us!