Who
are the heroes of the heroes for a better world? Over the past 700 years, many
have been inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. His strong faith and his love of
animals are well known and long ago earned him the title of Patron Saint of
Animals. But more recently he has also come to be seen as the Patron Saint
of the Environmental Movement because his life and teachings were a model for
living in harmony with nature and being at peace with the earth and all living
creatures. Francis was born into a rich family, but after an illness and his experiences
as a soldier, he decided to give up all of his possessions and live a life of
faith. He traveled across Italy, dressed in rags, sharing his faith and helping
the sick and the poor. He survived by working as a day laborer and scrounging
through garbage for his food when work wasn't available. St. Francis believed
that all of creation was good and that all living creatures should be treated
with respect, kindness and compassion. As he traveled, others gave up their worldly
possessions and joined him, forming what would be known as the Franciscan Order.
Today the Prayer of St. Francis is cherished by many who have dedicated their
lives to creating a better world.
