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In the Tradition of St. Francis of Assisi
San Damiano Retreat Center of Contra Costa County, California
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Nestled into the hills of Contra Costa County, east of San Francisco, lies the San Damiano Retreat Center, a place living the visions and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. At San Damiano, St. Francisí beliefs about living simply and honoring the Earth are nurtured and followed in the daily life of the center.
“The eternal word took flesh and in Francisí eyes, could be found everywhere. The beauty of nature is a reflection of God,” notes Fr. Ray Bucher, O.F.M. San Damiano practices the Franciscan tradition of stewardship of Creation through many environmental initiatives at the center.
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The “Canticle of Creatures” is a teaching by St. Francis about the four elements, earth, fire, air and water, and relates to them as if they are family. According to Fr. Ray of San Damiano, this was the first religious writing in Italian, not Latin, because St. Francis wanted all to have access to this text. The Canticle of Creatures has provided inspiration and support for the environmental policies at San Damiano.
In the Canticle of Creatures, St. Francis refers to “Brother Sun.” According to Fr. Ray, “from this, we get a reverence and respect for light that should not be wasted.”
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This led San Damiano to install over 700 compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the entire retreat center. These energy efficient bulbs have translated into significant energy savings for San Damiano. In addition, energy conservation has reduced their reliance on polluting power plants.
“Sister Water” says Fr. Ray means ì“using water carefully because although we have it, this doesnít mean we should use it endlessly.” As a result, in an effort to reduce their water use, the center installed 78 low-flow water toilets. Here in California, water shortages are a real concern, and conservation is the best way to avoid wasting it. Furthermore, 30% of all water use is for energy generation.
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| St. Francis also wrote of “our sister, Mother Earth” and the need to protect and honor her. Following this teaching, San Damiano has a huge organic garden and compost. They grow vegetables, fruits and flowers for staff and visitors. The centerís impressive garden has received an award from the National Wildlife Federation and was a featured stop on a recent countywide program of visits to organic gardens and compost sites. Local organically grown produce generates a nutrient rich soil that acts as a carbon sink to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, San Damiano significantly reduces overall pollution when their produce only travels from their garden to the kitchen!
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Fr. Ray Bucher, O.F.M.
and a guest
in front of his Toyota Prius hybrid car. |
Fr. Ray added to the Canticles with his own, “Brother Petrol.” He said, “our country produces 25% of the worldís greenhouse gas emissions. I wanted to do my bit here by lessening my amount, so I purchased a Toyota Prius hybrid car.” This car gets about 50 miles per gallon. In addition to this significant step, the retreat center uses an electric car for transportation around its campus.
In addition to the Canticle of Creatures, Fr. Ray takes inspiration from Genesis and the Creation story.
“We have the opportunity to destroy or enhance what weíve been given and make it a legacy,” he said. Fr. Ray said San Damiano joined CIPL because it provides a vehicle to exercise our responsibility to be good stewards of Creation.
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The retreat center has up to 19,000 visitors annually. The staff hopes that people visiting the center will notice and be inspired by the environmental stewardship modeled at San Damiano. As Fr. Ray noted, “Francis felt a closeness with nature. We can ask people to support habitats” and be inspired by San Damianoís commitment to the teachings of St. Francis.
Thank you, San Damiano for continuing this vision of leaving our planet healthy and safe for all beings and inspiring others to follow your leadership.
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor,
and all the blessings,
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day and through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor:
and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious
and chaste.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility.
(Excerpts from the Canticle of Creatures)
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