Dear Friends,
While I was away for my friend’s birthday I picked up at mass “The Pilot” which is the archdiocesan newspaper for Boston, Massachusetts. There was an article in it that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is entitled “St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures”. After 800 years it endures as vision of redeemed creation. Maria Weiring wrote the article. I would like to share just a portion of what she wrote.
“Eight centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi composed a poem that remains familiar today, inspiring hymns, art, and the title 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 the poem’s vivid imagery, what is not apparent is that St. Francis composed it a year before his death in 1226 around age 44, in weakened health and losing his sight. Despite his physical condition, he was believed to have been granted a great spiritual grace: the ability to see the world, including creation, in its redeemed form, elevated by Incarnation.
The Franciscan order is celebrating the 800th anniversary of “The Canticle of the Creatures” throughout 2025. Meanwhile, the church is marking the annual Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4, St. Francis’ feast day.”
We acknowledged in our parishes the “Season of Creation” with a wonderful calendar giving us suggestions and ideas on addressing our personal responsibilities to care for this great gift given to each of us from God. I hope you have found the calendar useful as well as the weekly thoughts shared within our bulletin on creation.
Looking ahead, on Saturday, October 4, everyone is invited to bring their pets (PLEASE no snakes) to Saint Catherine’s at 10 AM for a pet blessing ceremony. We will meet outside right in front of the church. This same day, beginning at 7 PM we will gather in the Transfiguration Parish Life Center for a St. Francis celebration. It will conclude at 9 PM. I hope you can join us this day celebrating St. Francis.
If you have never read “The Canticle of the Creatures” do check it out. It is certainly worth your while to enjoy and contemplate this beautiful piece of art.
We are now in the season of fall, enjoy the unfolding of God’s creation before us!
Blessings,
Father Rob