On Friday, September 5, 2025, as part of the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, the verses of St. Francis of Assisi were read aloud during a commemorative ceremony held in the “Golden Hall of the Yellow House,” the headquarters of the Chancellery of the Republic of Costa Rica. The event was organized by the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, the Interreligious Forum of Costa Rica, and the Chancellery.
The Chancellor of the Republic, Mr. Arnoldo André TINOCO, gave a speech before a large audience composed of representatives of religious movements, young people, the Italian Ambassador to Costa Rica, Mr. Alberto COLELLA, and other members of the diplomatic corps. The speech focused on the message of the Canticle and the country’s socio-environmental commitment.
Following this, the Canticle of the Creatures was recited by a member of the Muslim community.
Friar Michael LASKY, the General Delegate for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), addressed those present and gave them an update on the Canticle, pointing out the values of reconciliation and peace in a polarized world. He also made an appeal to continue writing new poems of communion through our lives and choices.
Several leaders of religious traditions and indigenous peoples shared heartfelt words and joined the chorus of those who find inspiration and commitment in the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. Two young students signed a symbolic peace treaty, which included the following paragraph:
“Recognizing the deep connection that unites human beings with nature and, more broadly, with all living beings, we affirm that respect for the highest values expressed in the Canticle of the Creatures, such as caring for life and seeking harmony, constitutes a fertile ground shared by all, regardless of creed, culture, or nationality.”
As part of this commemoration, the words of Pope Francis from Laudato Si’ were also read aloud: “Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness” (LS 12).
Thus, the event not only brought the verses of St. Francis of Assisi to life, but also reaffirmed our common mission to recognize, in creation, an invitation to peace and reconciliation, and to commit ourselves to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
Friar Erick G. MARÍN CARBALLO
