While the earth becomes increasingly polluted by wars, economic expansion and  overconsumption. While people are wounded in body and spirit for generations to come, it remains important to celebrate the Season of Creation. To reflect on the beauty and wonder of Creation. We must continue to inspire and encourage each other with the way of life of St Francis and with respect for our common home. The theme of this year’s Season of Creation was ‘Peace for creation’.

Saint Francis prays to God just before his death. Near his hands, which hold the tau sign on a cord with three knots representing the vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity, we see the face of Christ, as in the Shroud of Turin.

The body of Saint Francis lies on a blanket of leaves. Thus he returns to his Creator.

Furthermore, in our shared living space, there was a seasonal table. Each sister was invited to add chestnuts, grasses, flowers, autumn leaves or whatever we found in the park around our house. It helped us to walk attentively around, in admiration for the changing powers of nature. Meanwhile we did realize that nature is  a symbolic representation of human live, with its changing seasons of growing, blooming and passing away.

Written by Mirjam Wolthuis