This year marks the 800th anniversary of The Canticle of the Creatures, one of the earliest works of literature in the Italian language and a spiritual masterpiece composed by St. Francis of Assisi. Join us for a thought-provoking talk that explores the historical, theological, and ecological dimensions of this beloved hymn to creation.

Through the lens of St. Francis’ poetic vision, we’ll reflect on his deep connection with nature, his radical sense of kinship with all living things, and the enduring relevance of the Canticle in a world increasingly aware of environmental fragility and interdependence.

• Discover the historical context and spiritual depth of the Canticle
• Examine how its themes echo through modern ecological movements and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’
• Engage in conversation about how Franciscan spirituality continues to inspire action and awe today

Speaker: Fr. Xavier Seubert, OFM

Organized by: Converge@St. Francis Ministry and St. Benedict the Moor Fraternity, SFO

Laudato Si and the Canticle of the Creatures: The Poem, the Poet, and the Pope
Thursday, October 2 | Starts at 6:00 PM
San Damiano Hall

Admission: $10 to cover light refreshments

Registration Required. Registration is closed.

Prost! Grab your lederhosen and raise your steins—FrancisFest is back and better than ever! Join us for an unforgettable day of Bavarian cheer, featuring traditional German fare, craft beers, German Cocktails, live music, games, and festive fun for all.

Food & Drink: Feast on bratwurst, schnitzel, soft pretzels, sauerkraut, and other classic German dishes—washed down with the finest local and imported brews.

Games & Contests: Compete in stein-holding challenges, costume contests, and more fun surprises with great prizes.

Family-Friendly: Activities for kids, including face painting, puzzles, crafts.

Dress Code: Lederhosen and Dirndls Welcome! (You might even get a prize!)

Raise a stein to Francis Week, the fall season, fun, and friends. We’ll see you there—cheers!

FrancisFest 2025
Sunday, September 28 | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
San Damiano Hall

Advance Tickets:

• $25 for Admission Ticket (No Collectible Beer Glass)
• $30 for Admission Ticket with Collectible Beer Glass

Tickets at the Door/Day of:

• $30 for Admission Ticket (No Collectible Beer Glass)
• $10 for Collectible Beer Glass Only

All Admission Tickets include food and drinks.
Ticketholders with the Collectible Beer Glass will receive the glass at the event.
All payments are non-refundable.

Purchase Advance Admission Tickets via the form below.

Dear sisters and brothers,

This year, we celebrate with immense joy the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures. It is the oldest known work of Italian literature, written by our beloved St. Francis of Assisi in 1225. This lyrical poem praises God for all of creation—sun, moon, wind, water, fire, and even death, as well as the gift of creatures. It reminds us that all creatures, whether human or those who are fish, fowl, or mammal, are treasured. This magnificent poem has been translated into most languages of the world. Some of the reasons why St. Francis was selected as the patron saint of Ecology are for his love of all creation, embracing a simple life in harmony with nature, and his concern for the environment, as well as his deeper relationship with the world and his responsibility for it as evident in his poem Canticle of the Creatures. It is a timeless expression of gratitude and reverence for God’s gifts.

In May 2015, Pope Francis issued his most significant papal encyclical, Laudato Si’ (In Praise of), which in May of this year marked its 10th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of God’s gift of Creation. In honor of this milestone, we are launching our St. Francis of Assisi Appeal. This year’s focus is the refurbishment and restoration of the church’s statues and Crosses—sacred images that inspire prayer, reflection, and devotion.

Our church, now over 180 years old, is a landmark of faith and beauty. The craftsmanship of its architecture, the brilliance of its mosaics, and the presence of these sacred images make it a true House of Prayer. However, time and use have taken their toll, and some statues require detailed restoration, while others need careful touch-ups and aesthetic renewal.

Why do we care so deeply about these sacred objects? Because they remind us of God’s grace a grace that Franciscan scholars have taught and described in three forms:

Grace – the abiding presence of the Holy Trinity in the souls.
Sanctifying Grace – a created sharing or participation in the life of God.
Actual Grace – is a transient help of God which enlightens the mind and strengthens the will to do.

A Franciscan Friar built this sacred place of prayer to honor St. Francis of Assisi, in response to his call to bring people together and continue his mission of love, care, and peace. We humbly ask for your generous support in this year’s Appeal. Your gift will help preserve the sacred beauty of our parish and keep the Franciscan spirit alive. The statues and crosses are more than just decorations — they are sacred symbols of our faith and enduring reminders of God’s grace.

Here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, we will celebrate two special events:

• October 3: the Transitus Ceremony, commemorating the passing of St. Francis; and
• October 4: the Feast Day, a Mass celebrating the life and legacy of our patron saint.

Both celebrations will be in person and livestreamed, allowing all to participate. Please check our website when all events marking this occasion will be posted. Let us celebrate together!

On behalf of the Franciscan friars and the parish staff, thank you for your continued generosity and love for our parish. May the grace of God be with you and your families always. Please keep the Franciscans in your prayers as we continue to pray for you and your intentions daily. For any questions, please contact our parish Development Office at 212-736-8500, Ext. 307.

I want to share with you the superb Canticle of the Creatures, written by our founding father, St. Francis of Assisi. Please read below.

May God continue to bless you,

Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor

The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful,
good Lord,
yours is the praise,
the glory and the honor and every blessing.

To you alone, Most High,
do they belong,
and no one is worthy
to speak your name.

Praised be you, my Lord
with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom
you bring us light.

And he is lovely, shining
with great splendor,
for he heralds you, Most High.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Moon and Stars.
In heaven you have formed them,
lightsome and precious and fair.

And praised be you, my Lord,
through Brother Wind, through
air and cloud, through calm
and every weather by which
you sustain your creatures.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Water,
so very useful and humble,
precious and chaste.

Praised be you, my Lord
through Brother Fire,
by whom you light up
the night, and he is
handsome and merry,
robust and strong.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains us and directs us
bringing forth all kinds of fruits
and colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be you, my Lord
through those who forgive
for your love
and who bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those
who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High,
they will be crowned.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death
from whom no living being
can escape.

How dreadful for those
who die in mortal sin!
How blessed are those she
finds in your most holy will
for the second death
can do them no harm.

O praise and bless my Lord,
thank him and serve him
humbly but grandly!