Care for Creation

Franciscans are dedicated to the care of creation, seeing all creatures as brothers and sisters.

Saints Francis and Clare had a relational understanding of creation. All creatures, from the smallest to “our Sister, Mother Earth,” were sisters and brothers, part of the very family of God. Because of this, Francis was named the patron saint of ecology by Pope John Paul II. Following this tradition, St. Bonaventure developed a theological and spiritual vision that acknowledged all creation as emanating from the goodness of God, existing as a “footprint” of God, and leading us back to God if we are able to “read” nature properly. He spoke of creation as the first book that God wrote.

“Saint Francis is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically…He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.”

-Pope Francis, Laudato Si #10
Environmental Justice Webinars: 2023

Environmental Justice Webinars: 2023

In 2023, our Working for Environmental Justice campaign focused attention on three regions in our nation – the Permian Basin and Chaco Canyon in New...

Montana Youth Activists Prevail

Montana Youth Activists Prevail

A Montana judge has sided with 16 youth activists finding that the state violated their right to a "clean and healthful environment," which the...

Movie Screening: The Letter

Movie Screening: The Letter

​As Franciscans, we are called to care for all of God's wondrous creation. Our brother,  Pope Francis, invites all people of good will to hear both...

Dismantling Environmental Racism

Dismantling Environmental Racism

​With a love of lakes and self described passion for all creation, FAN Board Member Sr. Damien Marie Savino, F.S.E., Ph.D. serves as Dean of Science...

Connect with Fan

Would you like to work with us on the important issue of Care For Creation?