Bird pins (brooches) made out of scrap materials by Japanese Americans held in internment camps during World War II. From The Art of Gaman: Arts & Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps 1942-1946 by Delphine Hirasuna (Ten Speed Press, 2005).
"My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky," Francis said, "you are bound to heaven, to God, your Creator. In every beat of your wings and every note of your songs, praise him. He has given you the greatest of gifts, the freedom of the air. You neither sow, nor reap, yet God provides for you the most delicious food, rivers, and lakes to quench your thirst, mountains, and valleys for your home, tall trees to build your nests, and the most beautiful clothing... from the The Little Flowers of St. Francis.
We currently have a guest in our home who is enchanted by the profusion of birds at our feeders in this intensely cold weather. They are chowing down on seeds and peanuts as well as frequenting our heated birdbath for a drink. Our guest has Alzheimer's Disease so she is asking the same questions about the birds on a five-minute loop, all offered with a sense of wonder and appreciation. We're figuring out how to answer with some variety!
I was taken by the Tweet above-- how appropriate -- created by "caged" Japanese Americans unjustly held in internment camps in the United States, as were Japanese Canadians during World War II. While their wings were clipped by racist governments they could still observe the birds of the air and imagine being free.
Recently I listened to a biologist who encouraged the audience to be aware of the birds we often take for granted yet are all around us, every day, even in Winter.
During Lent this year we're inviting the folk at Trenton United to be bird nerds (Ash Wednesday Feb 18). writing down what they see and hear. This will be in honour of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis who legend tells us would preach to amd bless the birds and other creatures This attention to the birds can be a form of prayer and appreciation of Creator and Creation. I think we'll title this exercise Bird-Brained with St. Francis in Lent.
I just found out that composer Franz Lizst wrote pieces in tribute to St. Francis including Preaching to the Birds. Have a listen:
No comments:
Post a Comment