On September 25, 2025, at the beginning of the novena to St. Francis, the “Canticle of the Creatures Path” was blessed and inaugurated in Neunkirchen, Austria, by Friar Bernhard LANG, Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Leopold and St. Nicolas of Flüe in Austria-Switzerland.
The Path, conceived to mark the 800th anniversary of this hymn of praise, is structured into stations corresponding to the individual verses of the Canticle. Each station invites contemplation and prayer. The stations are characterized by glass elements that were designed by Professor Gerhard MOTSCH and crafted by Schlierbach Glassworks. Professor MOTSCH installed all the stations himself with great commitment and dedication. He deserves our heartfelt thanks. The same goes for the vocational school in Neunkirchen, which produced the support elements and text panels. We also thank the eleven sponsors who supported the project.
Under a light rain shower—let us praise the Lord for Sister Water—Friar Bernhard, the Guardian and Pastor of the Mariae Himmelfahrt Parish Church (Our Lady of the Assumption), welcomed over a hundred parishioners together with members of the Secular Franciscan Order and the Franciscan Youth. A number of civil authorities were also present, including Honorary Mayor Herbert OSTERBAUER; the Mayor of Wartmannstetten, Austria, Martin SCHERZ, and Ingrid STELLWAG who represented the Mayor of Neunkirchen, Günther STELLWAG. They walked the Path together and blessed each station.
QR codes were placed at each station, providing a link to the parish website where additional information was available on the individual verses of the Canticle or on the stations.
After the inauguration, a concert was performed by the K&K Salon 7+ Ensemble [a classical music group styled after those that performed in the imperial salons of the 19th century. It features a core group of seven musicians plus guest performers]. The concert was held in the parish church. After the concert, there was a welcoming and well-attended parish celebration.
Friar Bernhard LANG
