The inauguration of the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures took place in Assisi on January 11, 2025.
The day began with a prayer session at the Church of San Damiano and continued that same morning at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The celebration concluded at the Basilica of St. Francis. A floral tribute was placed on the tomb of St. Francis and the Superiors General prayed at the crypt. The Canticle, set to music by Friar Domenico Stella OFM Conv., was sung by the combined choirs from the Basilicas of St. Mary of the Angels and St. Francis. Codex 338 was on display near the altar in the Lower Basilica. This manuscript holds the oldest transcription of the Canticle.
This event was celebrated to praise God and His incomparable singer, Friar Francis. Not only did Francis compose the Canticle, he also composed its melody. It is up to us to continue living it and singing it.
The event was livestreamed. View the recording below. It begins at the 13-minute mark. The codex is shown around the 59-minute mark. (Also, here’s the link to a pdf with the English translations for the day.)
In addition, here’s an interview with Minister General Carlos A. Trovarelli reflecting on the Franciscan Centernaries –
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