Celebrating Creation: Walking in the eco-ways of St. Francis

Program Details

You've probably seen him. St. Francis of Assisi is most often recognized as "that saint in the birdbath." During this Franciscan Jubilee Year which commemorates the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis and in honor of his Feast Day, we invite you to consider the spirituality of this Patron Saint of Ecology, who referred to the Sun as his brother, and the Moon as his sister in the "Canticle of the Creatures."

In this Day Apart, we will explore Francis' relationship with creation and see how his "eco-spirituality" connected him with the Creator God. Through this lens, we will also explore our call to care for creation. Through science and scripture, our Executive Director and "Baptiscan," Larry Jay will help us experience the goodness of nature and allow us to discover our "kinship" with the cosmos as we live in respect for all that God has made.

As we unpack our 2026-27 Rolling Ridge theme of "In All Things, For Every One", you will discover why Francis' Canticle of the Creatures should be the anthem we all sing this year! Learn also how the eco-spirituality of Francis frames the contemporary writing of Franciscan friar, Richard Rohr and his understanding of the Universal Christ.

Cost: $92 (includes program from 9:30-3:30, pastries and lunch)

About the Leaders

Larry Jay

As the Executive Director of Rolling Ridge, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay works in partnership with the staff to ensure that the guest experience at the Ridge is top quality. He also partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge, and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with our True Self, nature, God, and all people.