A saint without enemies

Saint Francis of Assisi is not the most popular saint but perhaps the one that generates the most sympathy. It is admired by environmentalists, vegans and pacifists. Atheists and reds, anarchists and comecuras, respect him. Even an old friend of mine who was proud of never having entered a church in his life-except once to take shelter-said that: my respects to the saint of Assisi, sir.

The European Middle Ages, which some mistakenly believe was a dark age, contributed significantly to the development of humanity. Modern languages ​​were born there, their first literatures, such as the Poema del Mío Cid, the Song of Rolando or Los Nibelungos. Santo Tomás lived there and Romanesque and Gothic art emerged, in addition to the first universities. And, among other great events, Saint Francis lived there, leaving behind an immortal legacy of poverty, humility and simplicity - according to the sources of Christianity - as well as his love for nature and life. They are creations of God -he said- and participate in his perfection.

In times when only the spiritual was valued and matter was seen as imperfect and a source of sin, he recovered for humanity the appreciation for nature, matter and human dignity, here on Earth and not only in the hereafter. .

He anticipated a new vision of the world: that of the Renaissance. The first Renaissance painter - Giotto - painted it together with trees, animals and mountains, previously absent from Christian iconography. Within the Middle Ages, it heralded the Renaissance and with it the modern world.

The University of Azuay has just inaugurated its new and beautiful chapel, which combines architecture, sobriety and nature, under the patronage of San Francisco and Santa Clara de Asís. With this, it takes a new step forward, reinforcing its roots: Catholic by definition, far from all fundamentalism and open to all currents. (OR)