On January 11, 2025, the inauguration of the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures took place in Assisi, marked by a floral tribute at the tomb of St. Francis and a blessing from the Ministers General of the Franciscan First Order. The celebration concluded at the Basilica of St. Francis.
The event coincided with “International Thank You Day.” A musical rendition of the Canticle of the Creatures, arranged by Friar Domenico Stella OFM Conv., was performed by the basilica’s chapel choir and the Portiuncula Choir.
The day’s events began with a prayer session at the Church of San Damiano in Assisi at 10:00 AM, and continued that same morning at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation [Church of Santa Maria Maggiore]. This event also served as a time to reflect on the progress of the Franciscan Centenaries and to gather insights on the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures from Father Carlos A. TROVARELLI, Minister General of the Conventual Franciscans.
A video of the event is available on the YouTube channel @SanFrancescoAssisi using this link: https://youtu.be/7t1LSvWlAdE. Additionally, the channel will soon feature a new podcast produced by the friars of the Sacred Convent, entitled: “Parole Povere.” The podcast is set to launch on January 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. across major Internet platforms and is scheduled to air once every two weeks.