Blog 2 - St. Francis, Patron Saint of Ecology

It can be seen by observing low art pieces at souvenir shops in Assisi that Saint Francis values nature and animals because they are God’s creations, one of the seven catholic social teachings. This adoration of animals is specifically evident in pieces of low art containing Saint Francis and birds. Saint Francis is the patron saint of ecologist because of his adoration for nature and animals. The two pieces of popular art shown below both show St. Francis with birds on his arms. The first object is a figurine in which St. Francis has a bird resting on his arm looking up to him, another bird perched on his shoulder, and is holding a cross to his chest which was found at a souvenir shop near the Basilica of San Francesco. The second piece of low art being discussed is a bracelet found at another souvenir shop near the Basilica of Santa Chiara. The bracelet has a pendent on it with Saint Francis holding 3 birds in his arms, they are looking up to him and he is looking down to them. The purpose of these pieces of popular are objects are to tell the story of how fond not only St. Francis was of animals, but as well as how fond the animals are of him. In each of the objects the animals are looking up to him as though they are admiring him and love him in return. They are also resting so willfully on his body as if this a safe place to him. These objects, specifically the figurine where he is holding the cross, communicate that the catholic church agrees with St. Francis’ view of animals as creations of God and that nature and faith go hand in hand. In the past, church leaders or teachers would have viewed these objects in a negative light because they lack aura and seem to be too playful and cartoonish for the church. In contrast to this, in the present day these objects should be viewed in a positive light because they allow everyone to reflect on St. Francis without having to be present in the church. The effect of these objects and the reflection they arouse will not compare to that which can be experienced in a church when faced with paintings of similar scenes, but they allow for all to engage in the stories without having to go to the church.