Laudato yes, me ‘sir, cum all your creatures. Thus began the composition of the Canticle of the creatures of St. Francis of Assisi, a work that praises the majesty of the world and all its events.
His brother Sole, his brother Vento and Fire are part of it, his sister Luna and his sister Acqua, like the animals, with whom the saint was able to establish a deep and pure connection. Even the animals were his brothers and sisters because part of the beauty of creation.
Saint Francis of Assisi taught us by preaching love and compassion in all its expression, feelings that should always connect all sentient beings.
There are no conflicts, there are no distinctions in his vision. Not even towards the most feared and fierce animals, like the wolf who terrified Gubbio. The parable of the wolf of Gubbio is perhaps one of the best known as well as a fitting example of the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
A wolf brought death into ancient Gubbio, devouring cattle and killing men. There was no way to defend themselves from the predator although the inhabitants entrusted the hopes to weapons.
It was San Francesco d’Assisi who called the wolf and to bring peace between the wild and the population. Their meeting, described in the parable, offers another interpretation of the facts. For local people, the wolf was a beast.
St. Francis, on the other hand, includes the needs of the animal and its wildness. It is in its predator nature to satisfy hunger, this is the reason why the wolf attacked. It clearly says it:
I want to prevail well that for hunger you have done any harm“By sending to reflection.
But that wolf, thanks to a promise of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, became meek. He died of old age, never persecuted by the inhabitants of Gubbio. The speech is timeless, never so current today.
There are many lessons that we can learn from the words of the man who has given up on the aging preferring simplicity and humility. From the appeal to conduct a sober lifestyle, without unruly excesses, rejoicing of what you have, to live in harmony with others.
Harmony must be shared with what surrounds us. His message is not aimed only at human beings, but to the wonders of the environment and animals. They are the gifts of God, whose care with kindness and attention to. They must be safeguarded, including, defended.
We remember the parable of the lambs when San Francesco, hit by two lambs to sell and slaughter, saved them by bartering his cloak. The virtues of St. Francis of Assisi, narrated in all the lands, have meant that the Umbrian saint was glorified as the protector of the animals, the first to show him pity and give them dignity.
Today, October 4, St. Francis is celebrated, the patron of Italy and brother of all and all.
