As Franciscans we are becoming more aware of our charism of caring for creation. People are waking up the beauty of creation, the harm that we have done and its effects on ourselves and our neighbors.
Saint Francis saw creation as a familial relationship with creatures and love and gratitude to the Creator. St. Clare also promoted conservation practices on lands surrounding monasteries that they should not be cultivated, except only for gardens necessary for the sister’s needs. Saints Francis and Clare show us how we are to go about in this world only using what we need and reverencing creation out of reverence for the Creator. Following Saints Francis and Clare, our focus of creation prayer services is to celebrate God’s beauty with the least harm possible.
Often times, prayer services meant to celebrate creation ends up harming it. We can unknowingly spread invasive species, degrade habitats, and displace creatures. Here are some helpful hints on ensuring that your prayer service’s celebrating creation do the least harm.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are not native to the ecosystem in which they are spreading and taking over habitats that are crucial to native species. They can affect the water quality, air quality, biodiversity, and economy. Some are beautiful and we want to bring them to our homes. Others are microscopic and hard to see making it very easy to spread throughout a landscape.
Ways that we spread invasive species without knowing it
Some alternatives
St. Francis reverenced creation out of reverence for the Creator of all. Let us do the same.