On 3 May 2025, the Franciscan family in Slovakia gathered in Spišský Štvrtok to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the “Canticle of the Creatures”. The event combined prayer, liturgy, and reflection on creation, echoing the Franciscan call to praise and ecological responsibility.
On 3 May 2025, the representatives of the large Franciscan family from all over Slovakia gathered at the St. Ladislaus Church in Spišský Štvrtok for a celebration marking the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures (also known as the Canticle of the Sun). The event was part of the global jubilee commemorating this poetic work of St. Francis of Assisi, written in 1225.
The gathering brought together brothers and sisters, including Secular Franciscans, and many lay people connected to the Franciscan tradition (over 250 participants).
The event began with a proclamation of the Canticle of the Creatures followed by three lectures. Cyril Brázda, OFM, presented the content and message of the Laudato si' encyclical, Zdzisław J. Kijas, OFM Conv, lectured on the person of St. Francis and his state of mind when he composed the canticle, and Stanisław Jaromi, OFM Conv, gave a brief overview of the characteristics of Christian involvement in ecology and the protection of nature.
In the heart of the celebations was a Holy Mass in the garden in front of the church and an afternoon adoration. At the beginning of the liturgy, Fr. Zdzisław Kijas presented Fr. Viktor Pardel’, Episcopal Vicar of Spiš, with a relic of St. Francis for the Diocesan Curia. Fr. Viktor emphasized that the Canticle of the Creatures is not only a poetic work, but also profound theological testimony to the power, providence and goodness of God. The liturgy was honored by the Liberum Corda choir from Levoča, Slovakia.
After the Mass, participants planted four trees in the garden of the friary as a concrete sign of commemoration and commitment to creation. Three of them were planted by representatives from the various Franciscan families, a fourth tree by the faithful from the local parish. In cooperation with the municipality, the friars plan to plant a total of 800 trees by 4 October 2026, when we will celebrate 800 years of the death of St. Francis.
The event concluded with a fraternal agape meal. In addition to the material food, the participants were also nourished spiritually with the presentation of three new books published by our brothers:
– Care of Our Common Home, ed. by Stanisław Jaromi, OFM Conv, an eco-theological dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis;
– V starostlivosti o náš spoločný domov. Ekoteologický dialóg Chudáčika z Assisi a pápeža Františka k 800. výročiu Chválospevu stvorenstva 1225–2025, by Stanisław Jaromi, OFM Conv;
– Francis in the Canticle of the Creatures, by Zdzisław J. Kijas, OFM Conv;
– The Stations of the Cross with St. Francis and His Followers, prepared by various members of the Franciscan family.
The Slovak celebration was one of many events throughout the Franciscan world to mark the Jubilee Year. During the celebration, the common desire to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis by living with gratitude, humility and care for our common home resounded.
REFA