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

Program Details

You've probably seen him in a garden (maybe your own). 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." It is this love for creation that places Francis in gardens and birdbaths across the globe!

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 and consider the impact our lifestyle choices on the health of our common planetary home. 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 Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. In addition to working with staff to ensure an outstanding guest experience, he collaborates with retreat leaders to deliver exceptional programming 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 and was interviewed about his ministry on Dan Lee's podcast. 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.