St. Francis’ ‘Canticle of the Creatures’ at 800 endures as vision of redeemed creation

Franciscans celebrate 800th anniversary of "The Canticle of the Creatures"

(OSV News) — Eight centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi composed a poem that remains familiar today, inspiring hymns, art and the titles of two of the late Pope Francis’ teaching documents on integral ecology. “The Canticle of the Creatures” includes tributes to “Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon and Stars,” “Brother Wind” and “Sister Water,” all of whom give glory to God, their creator. Though perhaps less cited, it also praises “Sister Death.” With t…

St. Francis’ ‘Canticle of the Creatures’ at 800 endures as vision of redeemed creation

St. Francis of Assisi composed a poem that remains familiar today, inspiring hymns, art and the titles of two of the late Pope Francis' teaching documents.

St. Francis' 'Canticle of the Creatures' at 800 endures as vision of redeemed creation

A hunter’s moon rises behind a statue of St. Francis of Assisi on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wis., Oct 8, 2022. OSV News photo/Sam Lucero, CNS Eight centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi composed a poem that remains familiar today, inspiring hymns, art and the titles of two of the late Pope Francis’ teaching documents on integral ecology. “The Canticle of the Creatures” includes tributes to “Brother Su…