Looking at Creation

Several members of the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure

Youth Ministry Program in Toronto, Ontario

Sometimes we complain about our daily routine because each day seems to be a near replica of the one before. We begin to crave something new and exciting. During such a time, it is best to look at the world around us from a different point of view, one that is reenergized with our faith in God. This is how Francis of Assisi approached the world. He saw the amazing beauty of creation all around him. Last Saturday, members of the Youth Ministry Program from the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure in Toronto, Ontario had their own experience of being amazed by the beauty of creation.

A hungry duck

Toronto is a city of several million. It is however very lucky to have a vast system of incredible parks. The Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure sits at the top of a forested ravine which stretches on for many kilometers and is part of Toronto’s park system. Last Saturday, Rachel – the St. Bonaventure youth minister – and several members of the Youth Ministry Program, carefully climbed down the ravine and entered a world of red, orange and golden leaves fluttering down to the ground. The group then walked along scurrying streams and along sturdy trails; it even had an encounter with a waddling of ducks. The beauty and intricacy of the landscape around them amazed the group so much that they hope to go for another walk to the park in the winter when it will be covered by snow.

Wonderful colours