The article discusses a television series exploring the life of St. Francis of Assisi and his lasting impact on Italian culture, particularly through a modern lens of sustainability and harmony with nature.
The article highlights a television series dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, hosted by Federico Quaranta. This series, aired on Rai 3, revisits significant locations associated with St. Francis as the 800th anniversary of his death approaches. It emphasizes the beauty of the Italian landscape and heritage as interpreted through the lens of the 'Cantico delle Creature', a poem attributed to St. Francis that underscores the relationship between humanity and nature.
Quaranta reflects on the relevance of St. Francis in contemporary times, arguing that he was an early advocate for sustainability, placing humanity in harmony with the environment. The series incorporates various elements, including music, art, and natural scenery, to enrich the storytelling of St. Francis’s life and ideals. Locations covered include the sanctuary of Verna and several towns in Umbria, such as Gubbio and Spoleto, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural significance of these sites in Italian history.
The article suggests that through this series, viewers can find not only peace but also messages of hope and unity in a world often filled with individualism. This exploration of Italian identities is framed as a journey that resonates with modern audiences, bridging the past and the present while inviting reflection on the values that St. Francis embodies in relation to environmental sustainability and social cohesion.
