The world Franciscan

Pe. Geovane Saraiva*

Every civilization needs of exemplary figures and references that show concretely the world the great dreams in order to sustain the motivation of human beings in their relationship with nature and the environment.

Hartmut Koschyk, vice minister of the German economy, on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy), uttered the following words: "It would be a better Europe more Franciscan." According www.sanfrancesco.org appears on the site, Koschyk asserted that "the thought is characterized by the Franciscan brotherhood, kindness and solidarity, virtues that can contribute to a new ethical economy."

The life of Francis of Assisi did not mean an abandonment of the world, relations with people. Rather. We can see in his radical lifestyle choice, in a clear and explicit, harsh criticism of the dominant forces of the time he lived, pointing to a new society based on solidarity with opportunity for all.

Francis of Assisi, in his "frenzy" for God and his creatures, began a new form of human society, making understand that any privilege in relation to this world's goods, which are gifts of God, is justified only when the target is to favor the poor, defenseless and weak.

The World Environment day, celebrated on 05 June, reminds us of St. Francis, who "called brothers and sisters all creatures, even the last, knowing clearly that any and all came from one and the same source "(God). Hence his first relationship with nature is not a domain and possession but brotherly and loving fellowship.

May God give us grace ever and increasingly understand human life on earth, here called into question from Francis of Assisi, telling us that we have strength, to put our values ​​and projects life as a whole, above our interests in a large joint effort of solidarity for the planet.

Therefore, before the clamor and the groan of nature, on the brink of the abyss, humanity is called and has no alternative to avoid his own destruction, but to do their part, having in mind, eyes and heart to life on the planet as sacred, inspired by the dreams and the strength of the human figure, who embraced God's plan with a touching tenderness, becoming fascinated by God and his creatures. This fascination that made him very human.

*Father Geovane Saraiva, pastor of St. Alphonsus
pegeovane@paroquiasantoafonso.org.br
Translator: Rhubens Levy