In spring of 1225, soon after his experience at Mount La Verna, St. Francis of Assisi stayed at the Monastery of San Damiano, where St. Clare and the first Poor Sisters lived. During this time, after a night of suffering due to his illnesses, Francis was visited by the Lord, who reassured him of His love and salvation. This event led Francis to compose the hymn of praise and thanksgiving – The Canticle of the Creatures.
This year we celebrate the 800th anniversary of this composition.
The opening event will begin at 10am CET (4am EST) this Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Church of San Damiano in Assisi. The celebration will continue at the Bishop’s Palace – Sanctuary of the Spoliation (Church of Santa Maria Maggiore).
You can check out the live broadcast at: https://www.youtube.com/live/E_KP1PK6OXo
You can download documents with the text of the celebration thanks to the website of the Franciscan Centenary (www.centenarifrancescani.org). This is available in
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention your name.
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 Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather,
through whom You give sustenance to your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, though our Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us,
and who produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
More information regarding the broadcast is available at ofmconv.net
