Latest news with #CanticleoftheCreatures
Herald Malaysia
6 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Reflecting on St Francis' Canticle of the Creatures
Over the weekend of July 12 and 13, parishioners of the Church of the Risen Christ were led through a spiritual and ecological reflection on the Canticle of the Creatures by Friar Marvin Voo, OFM. Aug 08, 2025 The parishioners of the Church of the Risen Christ with the Franciscan friars By Stephanie CheongOver the weekend of July 12 and 13, parishioners of the Church of the Risen Christ were led through a spiritual and ecological reflection on the Canticle of the Creatures by Friar Marvin Voo, OFM. The talks, delivered in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, were warmly received and served as an invitation to rediscover a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality that remains deeply relevant in today's Marvin was invited by parish priest, Friar Esmond Chua, OFM, following his recent participation in an international gathering held in May at the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. The event, hosted by the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Order of Friars Minor in collaboration with the university, brought renewed global attention to the timeless message of the Canticle of the between 1224 and 1226, the Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest known works of Italian literature and a profound expression of St Francis of Assisi's spiritual legacy. Written in the final years of his life — marked by illness, near-blindness, and physical suffering — the Canticle reveals Francis' deep sense of unity with creation. In it, he praises God through the elements of nature, addressing the sun, moon, wind, water, fire, and earth as 'Brother' and 'Sister.' Rooted in Psalm 148, which calls all creation to praise God, the Canticle goes a step further by affirming the divine presence not just in the heavens, but in dust, flame, suffering, and even in 1181, St Francis' life offers vital context for understanding the Canticle's origins. During a retreat at La Verna in 1224, he received the Stigmata — a mystical sign of his deep union with Christ. Over the next year, his health declined, particularly his eyesight. Nearly blind and in constant pain, he composed the Canticle of the Creatures at San Damiano. This poetic prayer stands as a testament to Francis' enduring joy and spiritual clarity amid physical darkness. As his condition worsened, he dictated his final will and passed away at the Portiuncula on October 3, composed eight centuries ago, the Canticle continues to speak to our times. It reflects a range of scriptural themes: celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), the natural elements (wind, water, fire, earth), creation as a whole, peacemakers and the suffering, and finally, 'Sister Death' — welcomed without fear by those who live in God's will. The Canticle is not just a song of praise but a radical call to live with gratitude, simplicity, and reverence for all his sessions, Friar Marvin highlighted the Canticle's enduring relevance in light of today's ecological and social crises. Its themes are echoed powerfully in Laudato Si', Pope Francis' encyclical on integral ecology, which draws deeply from Franciscan invited participants to reflect on three key messages from the Canticle: Universal Fraternity: By addressing elements of nature as family, St Francis reminds us of our interconnectedness with all creation. This reflects the call in Laudato Si' to hear both 'the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.' Seeing God Amid Suffering: Composed during a time of illness and decline, the Canticle shows that gratitude can flourish even in pain. It invites us to find beauty and hope in times of hardship and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer. Contemplation Leading to Action: Later additions to the Canticle, especially the verses on peace, affirm that spiritual insight must lead to action — through justice, reconciliation, and care for creation. As we reflect on the Canticle of the Creatures, especially when singing the beloved hymn Canticle of the Sun, we are reminded that it is more than a song — it is a way of life. A way that calls us to see the divine in every part of creation and to respond with compassion, humility, and joy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Friar Marvin Voo, OFM, for guiding the parish community through this reflection. His insights brought new light to St Francis' vision — one that continues to call us to holiness through harmony with creation and trust in God's loving design.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Seitz to launch Diocese environmental plan during special Mass on Sunday
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz will celebrate a special bilingual Mass Sunday, May 25 and will sign and inaugurate the Diocese's environmental action plan. The Mass will be at 11 a.m. May 25 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 930 E. Redd Road. The Mass will mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si', Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on care for 'our common home,' and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of the Creatures,' the Diocese said. As part of this diocesan celebration, Seitz will officially sign and inaugurate the Laudato Si' Action Plan for the Diocese of El Paso. 'This new plan will guide the local Church's commitment to the values of Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum, deepening efforts toward environmental stewardship and solidarity with the poor across all ministries and institutions,' the Diocese said. The Mass will bring together representatives from local parishes, Catholic organizations, and environmental advocacy groups, including the Care for Creation Ministry at St. Luke, the Texas Chapter of the Laudato Si' Movement, and New Mexico–El Paso Power and Light, the Diocese said. 'Pope Francis reminds us that care for the Earth is inseparable from care for the most vulnerable,' Seitz said. 'This plan invites every person, parish, and diocesan structure to reflect on our impact and take real steps to live more sustainably and faithfully.' Released on May 24, 2015, Laudato Si' called for an 'integral ecology' that recognizes the deep connections between the environmental crisis and global inequality, the Diocese said. In 2023, Pope Francis continued this message with Laudate Deum, which addressed the growing climate emergency and the moral urgency of collective action. The Diocese's new action plan will provide tools and guidance for all Catholics to engage in concrete steps, the Diocese said. These actions can include creating special ministries, evaluating use of resources and adopting sustainable practices, the Diocese said. The Laudato Si' Diocesan Action Commission is available to assist parishes and organizations looking to implement or expand environmental initiatives, the Diocese said. For more information, contact laudatosicommissiondep@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
