Dear Friends of our friars and ministries,

Greetings in the Lord from the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Consolation Province!

In 2025, the Franciscan community commemorates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, a profound hymn reflecting his deep connection to nature and the divine.

The Canticle of the Creatures was penned during a period of personal hardship for St. Francis. In the spring of 1225, after receiving the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) at La Verna, St. Francis of Assisi chose to spend 50 days at the Monastery of San Damiano, where St. Clare and the first Poor Sisters resided. Filled with gratitude, St. Francis was inspired to compose the Canticle of the Creatures because, for him, all of creation manifests the goodness of God.

The Canticle expresses gratitude for God’s many gifts to St. Francis and all of us and serves as a reminder of the interdependence between humans and creation. The Canticle personifies elements of creation, referring to “Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon,” and “Mother Earth,” highlighting the interconnectedness of all life and the Creator, and amplifies the praises of the three young men in the Book of the Prophet Daniel.

We, the friars, enthusiastically await your joining us in our song of praise as the Province of Our Lady of Consolation soon celebrates its 100th anniversary. For now, we celebrate this 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, it serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty of creation and our responsibility to cherish and protect Mother Earth.

We friars will continue to remember you, our dear friends and companions, in our daily prayers and devotions.

May God bless you and fill you with the Peace of our Lord!

Sincerely in Christ and St. Francis,

Fr. John Elmer OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director