The Franciscan Tradition St Francis of Assisi

Pope Francis took the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi. Who is
this man who inspired the current Pope so much?

Watch Ill Poverello: The Story of St Francis of Assisi (4 mins)

http://youtu.be/qrMmBBYKeaw

Brainstorm 5 key facts you learn about St Francis from the clip
and record them here.

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Francis and the Love of Creation

St Francis was such a memorable person, there are many legends about him.

Find a legend about St Francis which shows his love of animals and creation. (You can use the
web sites listed below and copy and paste the legend below)

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/francis/stories.asp
http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/lff/lff025.htm

What is a legend?

A legend is a semi-true story, which has been passed on from person-to-person and has important
meaning or symbolism for the culture in which it originates. A legend usually includes an element
of truth, or is based on historic facts, but with 'mythical qualities'. Legends usually involve heroic
characters or fantastic places and often encompass the spiritual beliefs of the culture in which
they originate. (Myths and Legends: http://myths.e2bn.org/teachers/info311-what-are-myths-legends-and-
folktales.html)

What important values are communicated in the legend of Francis that you have read?
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ST FRANCIS’ CANTICLE OF CREATION:
The ‘Canticle of Creation’ is a song of praise written by Francis of Assisi as he approached death.
He was gravely ill and suffering physically. As the Franciscan poet Murray Bodo has written, as
Francis' turning to God unfolded the whole of nature became holy for him. He was enthralled by
God's presence in the natural world.

Francis calls out to all of creation as brother and sister, revealing the core of the Franciscan
worldview: that God is the source of all being; that the Creator God is the Parent; that all
creatures therefore are brother and sister to one another; that everything deserves love and
ST FRANCIS’ CANTICLE OF CREATION
Be praised Good Lord for Brother Sun
who brings us each new day.
Be praised for Sister Moon: white
beauty bright and fair, with wandering
stars she moves through the night.
Be praised my Lord for Brother Wind,
for air and clouds and the skies of every season.
Be praised for Sister Water: humble,
helpful, precious, pure; she cleanses
us in rivers and renews us in rain.
Be praised my Lord for Brother fire:
he purifies and enlightens us.
Be praised my Lord for Mother Earth:
abundant source, all life sustaining;
she feeds us bread and fruit and gives us flowers.
Be praised my Lord for the gift of life;
for changing dusk and dawn; for touch
and scent and song.
Be praised my Lord for those who
pardon one another for love of thee,
and endure sickness and tribulation.
Blessed are they who shall endure it in
peace, for they shall be crowned by Thee.
Be praised Good Lord for sister Death
who welcomes us in loving embrace.
Be praised my Lord for all your
creation serving you joyfully.
respect.
Francis saw God in everything. St Francis
reminds us to treat the earth and its
creatures with gentleness and to have an
open and grateful heart, aware of the
divine goodness in all things. (The Canticle of
Creation: http://www.clintonfranciscans.com/our-
home-the-canticle-the-canticle-of-creation.html)
Optional Prayer Activity:
Take your notebook and pen. Go and sit
alone in a place where you can hear, smell
and touch nature. Sit in silence for a few
minutes observing the natural world
around you. Write your own canticle of
praise for creation for everything you hear,
smell and see. Return to the classroom
and put your canticle on the leaf shape
given to you by your teacher. (See Leaf
Template) Your class may wish to tie these
leaves to some dry branches to create a
tree of praise for creation in your
classroom. (Organise volunteers to set this
up in your classroom if this is suitable.)
In one of the hallways by the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Assisi, there is an interesting
statue of St. Francis. This particular statue is interesting because Francis holds in his hands a
basket. Every day, two doves come finding their own dwelling place among his hands. Amazing!
http://youtu.be/0PsBGnAYepU
http://youtu.be/53VkqoNb2Uc