At the heart of Pope Francis’ document on the Environ ment, Laudatio Si, is Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis is one of the first Christians concerned with the environ ment. Born in 1181. Saint Francis modelled a new way of living that radically shook the foundations of the church of the time. Saint Francis moved away from the upper rich merchant class which was emerging in European culture of the 12th century or “Majors”, and embraced a life with the lower class or “Minors”. Right when capitalism was beginning to get off the ground, Saint Francis shows us how to live like Christ. This embrace of poverty and worldly possessions provided an opportunity to be available and care for the poor. This downward outlook, provided the background for a more simpler life style. For Christians today, it shows us that living more in tune with the world around us, to care for our brothers and sisters, our environ ment, rather than our individualistic, often ego hungry need to consume more and more. Saint Francis is a man available to listen to the call of Christ “To Rebuild my church”. Not to be made out of stones, but people.
“Brother Son, Sister Moon” is a beautiful movie which documents Francis of Assisi’s transition from the Major class to the Minor Class. After you have watch this film, you will fall in love with Francis. But this is exactly the idea. Because, Francis fell in love with Christ. And radically sought to live the Gospel. Francis is often known as the second Christ. A man who sought to live like Christ.
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