Natural world Quote by Jean F. Blashfield
““ The Saint of Assisi Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone of Assisi, better known as Francis, wanted to be a soldier. But in the year 1205, he had a vision telling him that God had other plans for him. He became a hermit, forsaking all worldly goods. Francis began to preach, drawing followers to his side. He created simple rules by which these men could live as a community under God, trying to live like Jesus. Today, the group he started, called the Franciscans, is one of the largest religious orders in the Catholic Church. By the time Francis died in 1226, some people believed that he had been an extraordinary man, able to work miracles. Within two years, the church declared him a saint. Saint Francis of Assisi thought that it was the duty of humans to care for the natural world, God’s creation. Artists today often depict Saint Francis in paintings and statues with birds and small animals around him.””
About This Quote
Source Historical account: Biography of Saint Francis of Assisi, 13th century
Saint Francis abandoned a military path after a divine vision, embraced poverty, founded the Franciscans, and taught stewardship of nature as a divine duty.
In simple terms: He left war, chose poverty, founded a religious order, and cared for creation.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility, serve others, protect the environment.
Themes
humility
service
stewardship
faith
community
Mood
reflective
inspirational
hopeful
Type
historical
spiritual
motivational
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- community building
- environmental activism
- spiritual retreats
- educational programs
Key Concepts
Christian mysticism
environmental ethics
monastic rule
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we practice simple living today?
- What responsibilities do we have toward nature?
A Different Perspective
His radical poverty may be seen as impractical in modern economic systems.
![“The vocation of being a 'protector' [. . .] means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us [. . .] In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be…” quote by Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b5/pope-francis-85_beauty_the-vocation-of-being-a-protector-means_2977600.jpg)
