The official launch of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis composing the Canticle of the Creatures (also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun) was carried out in a significant way by the entire Franciscan family. The event was similar to previous commemorations such as the Christmas at Greccio and St. Francis receiving the Stigmata at La Verna.
Representing the global fraternity were six Superiors General: Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, OFM Conv.; Friar Massimo FUSARELLI, OFM; Vicar General Friar Silvio do Socorro DE ALMEIDA PEREIRA, OFM Cap., Friar Amando TRUJILLO CANO, TOR; Tibor KAUSER, OFS, and Sister Frances Marie DUNCAN, President of the International Franciscan Conference of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular (CFI-TOR).
The celebration was conducted in multiple languages and streamed live from Assisi on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The Franciscan Committee for the 2023-26 Centenary, which includes the Conventual Franciscans Friar Marco MORONI, Custos of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Italy (Assisi), and Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali, identified two significant locations for this liturgical event. The first was the Church of San Damiano, where Francis, after a troubled night, composed his new “Praises” (cf. Assisi Compilation, 99; FF 1614-1615). The next location was the Basilica of St. Francis, in order to thank the Lord for the gift of the Poverello by laying a floral tribute at his tomb.
According to the initial plan established months in advance, the Most Reverend Domenico SORRENTINO, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Italy, requested that the second part be celebrated at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, next to the Bishop’s Palace. This location is traditionally significant as the place where Friar Francis composed a stanza on forgiveness while ill, asking his brothers to sing it before the bishop and local authorities who were in conflict. St. Francis thus managed to reconcile them. Therefore, after starting the event at the Church of San Damiano (the first location), the event continued at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (the second location). From there, there was a procession to the Basilica of St. Francis for the conclusion of the event.
The prayer by the Superiors General in the crypt was moving. The two-hour event concluded with a powerful and emotional performance of the Canticle set to music by Friar Domenico STELLA, OFM Conv. The piece was sung by the combined choirs from the Basilicas of St. Mary of the Angels and St. Francis.
Also for those attending this event, the friars from the Custody of the Sacred Convent put Codex 338 on display near the altar of the Lower Basilica. This manuscript contains the oldest transcription of the Canticle. Many members of the Franciscan family participated in the event, which was conducted in a truly fraternal spirit. Afterwards, the hosting community at the Sacred Convent invited many brothers, sisters, and members of the Franciscan family into their refectory for a generous buffet.
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.
Friar Giovanni VOLTAN
