My experience of visiting Assisi and understanding its connection to Laudato Si

St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved figure in the hearts of many who care deeply about nature and its wonders. His profound connection to the environment and all living beings made him the patron saint of ecology. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi in Italy, and the experience was truly transformative. In this article, I will discuss the profound impact of St. Francis’s teachings on environmental stewardship and the connection between his legacy and Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si.

Art communicates a deep message

Well, St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of ecology, holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish nature and its beauty. His deep love for all creatures, big and small, and his message of environmental stewardship have inspired generations. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the famous St. Francis in Assisi site in Italy, and the experience was nothing short of enlightening. The visit not only allowed me to explore the spiritual and historical sites but also to reflect on the timeless teachings of St. Francis and their relevance in today’s world.

The nice Flowers at Assisi

To be honest, during my visit to Assisi, I was struck by the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere that seemed to permeate the town. The sites associated with St. Francis, such as the Basilica of San Francesco and the Porziuncola, exuded a spiritual energy that was palpable to multitudes of visitors that were there that day. Well, we stopped by an ice cream shop and it was an experience all together, had nice coffee, of meals with the best olives. But more profoundly the understanding that the spiritual connection to nature and all living beings was a central theme in St. Francis’s teachings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.

Basilica of St. Francis

One of the most remarkable aspects of St. Francis’s legacy that I discovered was his profound love for nature was just natural and his friendship with St. Clare was divine. He saw all creatures as his brothers and sisters and preached a message of environmental stewardship long before it became a mainstream concern. His example of living in harmony with nature serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of caring for our planet. This deep connection between St. Francis and environmental conservation is beautifully echoed in Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, which calls for a renewed dialogue on sustainable development and our moral responsibility to protect our common home.

Traditionally maintained street just behind St. Clare’s Home

As I stood before St. Francis’s tomb and reflected on his legacy, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my own commitment to environmental stewardship as I mentor young to bridge the generational gap and work together to care for God’s creation even integrating the use of Media to pass on the value. For me, the visit to his sites served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the need to live in harmony with nature. The teachings of St. Francis and the message of Laudato Si inspire us to work towards a more sustainable and harmonious future, guided by love and respect for all living beings.

Co-existing with Nature

All I can say my visit to the sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi was a profound and enlightening journey that reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship and living in harmony with nature. His teachings on the interconnectedness of all living beings and the urgent need for sustainable development are more relevant now than ever. As we face the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, the wisdom of St. Francis continues to guide us towards a more sustainable and harmonious future. May we all be inspired by his example and work towards a world where all creatures are cherished and protected as I always say all we need is to unite for Climate Action. Laudato Si’ Movement Laudato Youth Initiative

Blessed Carlo Curtis pray for us!