On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Slovakia celebrated the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi composing the Canticle of the Creatures in 1225. The event took place at the St. Ladislaus Church belonging to the Friary of the Assumption of the B.V.M. in Spišský Štvrtok, Slovakia. Representatives from various branches of the Franciscan Family gathered to commemorate this important anniversary together.
The meeting began with the proclamation of the Canticle of the Creatures, followed by three short but intensive lectures. Friar Stanisław JAROMI, OFM Conv., Guardian of the friary in Prague, lectured on Franciscan integral ecology. Friar Cyril BRÁZDA, OFM, lectured on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si’. Finally, Friar Zdzisław J. KIJAS, OFM Conv., Postulator General, lectured on St. Francis’ state of mind when he composed his famous hymn.
Mass was the highlight of the day. At the beginning of the liturgy, Friar Zdzisław presented Father Viktor PARDEĽ, Episcopal Vicar of Spiš, with a relic of St. Francis, destined for the Diocesan Curia. Father Viktor spoke, emphasizing that the Canticle of the Creatures is not only a poetic work, but also gives profound theological witness to God’s power, providence and goodness. The liturgy was enhanced by the Liberum Corda choir from Levoča, Slovakia.
After the Mass, representatives from the various Franciscan families, including members of the Secular Franciscans (OFS), planted three trees in the garden of the friary as a concrete sign of commemoration and commitment to creation. A fourth tree was planted by the faithful of the local parish. In cooperation with the municipality, the friars plan to plant a total of 800 trees over the course of the year, one for each year since the composition of the Canticle.
The event ended with a fraternal agape meal. In addition to material food, the participants were also nourished spiritually, thanks to the presentation of three new books, published by our friars:
– “Care of Our Common Home,” by Friar Stanisław JAROMI, OFM Conv., an eco-theological dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis;
– “Francis in the Canticle of the Creatures,” by Friar Zdzisław J. KIJAS, OFM Conv.;
– “The Stations of the Cross with St. Francis and His Followers,” a collection of sixteen Stations of the Cross prepared by various members of the Franciscan Family, many of whom were present at this event.
Finally, due to the insistence of “Brother Wind,” the Hour of Mercy before the Blessed Sacrament could not be celebrated outdoors, as planned. Instead, it was conducted inside St. Ladislaus Church. The beautiful and joyful day ended in an atmosphere of silence and adoration.
Friar Martin M. KOLLÁR
