In 2025 we celebrate the eighth centenary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures.
Francis of Assisi, in the spring of 1225, a few months after the experience of La Verna, wanted to spend a period of fifty days at the monastery of San Damiano, where Clare and the first Poor Clare Sisters lived.
During that stay at San Damiano, after a night troubled by the pains of his illnesses but also visited by the Lord who had given him the certainty of His love and salvation, Francis composed that hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God, which we all know.
As with past Centenaries, also on this occasion a celebration of the entire Franciscan Family will officially start the Centenary: The celebration will begin at the Church of San Damiano in Assisi, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025. It will continue, that same morning, at the Bishop’s Palace - Sanctuary of the Spoliation [Church of Santa Maria Maggiore], where it will end later that morning.
The event starts at the location where St. Francis composed most of the Canticle of the Creatures and praised God for all His creatures. It concludes at the place where Francis’ verse about forgiveness resonates, inviting others to chant with him: “Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love…”.
The two parts of the celebration can be followed online on the www.centenarifrancescani.org website.
Those who want to participate in person will be able to choose one or the other place: the other part of the celebration will be screened in both shrines.
Download the booklets with the text of the celebration in different languages: Italiano - English - Español - Français - Deutsch
Download the material to celebrate the centenary of the Canticle:
