"Francis [of Assisi] broke the egg shell in which most men spend their entire lives and opened up to the whole world around him, embracing it with a gaze of tenderness and dialoguing with it" (Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMcap).
In the Year of Grace 2025, The Jubilee of Hope, The Eighth Centenary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, Ten years since the publication of the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si', Five years since the publication of the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti and the year in which Brazil hosts the United Nations COP30 on climate change, the post-novice friars of the Holy Cross Province, of the Province of the Holy Name of Jesus, of the Custody of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Custody of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary have come together to deepen, through studies, Franciscan spirituality and to revive the bonds of fraternity that make us all friars and minors.
With the formative contribution of Br. Marcelo Borges, OFMConv, and Br. Odécio de Souza, OFM, in addition to the generous hospitality of the friars of the Holy Cross Province, a kairological time was established at the St. Anthony Seminary in Santos Dumont - MG, Brazil, to deepen the life of St. Francis of Assisi and Franciscan thought. At first, Br. Marcelo guided us through the journey of life, conversion and maturation of Francis of Assisi until we reached the biographical context that led to the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures; he also analyzed with us the depth of the contents presented by the Saint of Assisi in this very unique prayer.
Br. Marcelo concluded this journey of in-depth study by reflecting on the resonance of ecological reflection today, integrating the care of the Common Home with the care of the "Inner Home" (the heart) and emphasizing that only the unity between these two aspects prevents Franciscanism from being reduced to an empty and superficial "ecologism".
Later, Br. Odécio illustrated the development of Franciscan thought, starting with the companion of the first hours, St. Anthony, passing through the Doctor St. Bonaventure and mentioning some aspects of the thought of Blessed Duns Scotus. Emphasizing that the greatest changes in the history of humanity have occurred in the wake of natural and geological events and that they have often originated in the peripheries, Br. Odécio highlighted the importance of Franciscan metaphysical and mystical thought so that the spirituality of the Poverello of Assisi is not reduced to mere social assistance.
Between moments of study, deep prayer and integration between the friars of the different institutions, with all the attention so that this study would take root in our lives and vocations, bearing fruit and not losing the holy "spirit of prayer and devotion", we concluded this day a little closer to what Fr. Marcelo calls vocation: "feeling deeply loved". In the joy of having lived with so many brothers and sisters, in a place of such beautiful nature, we too were able to join the choir of Brother Marcelo, adding a last verse to the Canticle of Brother Sun: "Praised be to you, my Lord, for Brother Francis of Assisi"!
Testo: Fr. Carlos Antônio Sartin Júnior, OFM
Photo: Fr. Edson Roberto Andrade, OFM
