The Saint Francis Garden
&
Caring For God’s Creation
Next to Saint Mary’s Church is a small garden dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The garden was planted by Timothy Beaudette, a parishioner, in 2010. It is a quiet place for prayer and reflection. It is also a reminder that we are all called to care for God’s good gift of creation.
The Canticle of Creation is a song of praise written by St. Francis as he approached death in the midst of illness and disability. In the song, he calls out to all of creation as brother and sister, revealing the heart of his worldview: that God is the source of all being; that the Creator God is our loving Parent; that all creatures therefore are brother and sister to one another, that everything deserves love and respect.
Francis saw God in everyone and so do we. At Saint Mary’s, we strive to look upon the earth with humility and with an open and grateful heart, aware of the divine goodness in all things.
The 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 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 you
and endure sickness and tribulation.
Blessed are they who shall endure it
in peace, for they shall be crowned by you.
Be praised Good Lord for Sister Death
who welcomes us in loving embrace.
Be praised my Lord for all your creation
Serving you joyfully.
Francis of Assisi, 1225 A.D.
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For more information about our Catholic vision of stewardship of the earth and ideas on how we can together care for God’s good gifts, go to conservation.catholic.org