Home Mater Christi Chapel Blessed Virgin Mary Who was Julian of Norwich? Hermitage Seasons Prayer Request Links Hemitage Spring Our soul is made to be God's dwelling place. And the dwelling of our soul is God, who is unmade. - Bl. Julian of Norwich Spring is a time of life renewal. At the hermitage, it is a time to reflect upon the awesome glory of God as seen through the wonders of the natural world which bursts forth with new life after a long winter respite. As all of nature becomes new again the miracle of rebirth calls forth pure joy. Creation as a whole was made new through Christ’s death and resurrection and this glory is celebrated with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the promise of redemption. Thus, Easter truly becomes the springtime of this hermits faith as springtime demonstrates renewal of life. Nature inspires a core depth of appreciation for our Creator. To ponder the magnificent unfathomable glory of God as seen in the wonders of creation leaves one beyond words for thankfulness and a feeling of extreme littleness. St Francis of Assisi inspired such a sense of fraternity with all of God’s creations as to never take for granted the beauty and goodness of all those, our fellow created. He understood that everything was created for the glory of God and that everything should therefore glorify God. So deeply did he feel himself a kindred spirit with ALL creation that he preached about the love of God to a mere flock of birds: "My brothers, birds, you should praise your Creator very much and always love him; he gave you feathers to clothe you, wings so that you can fly, and whatever else was necessary for you. God made you noble among his creatures, and he gave you a home in the purity of the air; though you neither sow nor reap, he nevertheless protects and governs you without any solicitude on your part." In his message during the celebration of the World Day of Peace in 1990, Pope John Paul II says this about Saint Francis: “He offers Christians an example of genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation. As a friend of the poor who was loved by God's creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation—animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon—to give honor and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assisi gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God we are better able to devote ourselves to building up that peace with all creation which is inseparable from peace among all peoples.” In this place, this God worshiping space, one never feels closer to Saing Francis than when observing every wonder of everyday of springtime. Each blossom, every joyous birdsong, the nourishing drops of rain, the mystery of birth, all beckon one to meditate more deeply on the greatness of God and to humbly worship and glorify the One who loved us so much as to give us such gifts as those witnessed in the new life of Spring.