The Franciscans view all of God’s creatures as brothers and sisters. This sacred kinship is beautifully expressed in the Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun, a poem written by St. Francis of Assisi shortly before his death. Filled with gratitude, St. Francis was inspired to compose the Canticle because, for him, all creation manifests the goodness of God.  

The Canticle inspired the late Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ (“Praise be to you”), a passionate call to care for our common home. Laudato Si’ challenges us to view the ecological crises we face not just as environmental issues, but as moral and spiritual ones, recognizing that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are deeply intertwined. It calls us to reimagine our relationship with nature, urging individuals, communities and nations to embrace an integral ecology rooted in justice, compassion and care for the poor. 

This year, we mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the 800th anniversary of the Canticle and the enduring truth they proclaim. In a world facing ecological crises and deep inequality between the rich and the poor, these works remind us of the interdependence between humans and creation – that we are all one family under God’s loving care. With that truth comes a call: to protect the earth, to uplift the poor and the marginalized, and to care for one another. 

Friars across the United States have been commemorating both anniversaries in a variety of deeply meaningful ways.  

Reflecting on the beauty of creation  

Friars and parishioners at Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield, Michigan, are joining with other churches in their family of parishes, Southeast Oakland Catholics, to celebrate. Both seasoned and amateur photographers are invited to participate in a special photo contest geared toward contemplating the wonders of creation with gratitude and eyes of faith. Each month, beginning in May, one stanza (verse) of the Canticle is being released for reflection purposes. Parishioners are then encouraged to take a picture or look in their photo library for an image that evokes that stanza for them. A presentation featuring the Canticle accompanied by the photos that illustrate each stanza will be created. At the end of all the stanzas, the whole Canticle will be presented in Transfiguration’s parish hall in January 2026. This video features the images submitted in honor of Brother Sun.  

In addition, Brothers Jeff Scheeler, OFM, pastor, and Jeremy Harrington, OFM, took part in an event at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve in Southfield on May 3 to honor the beauty of creation and our shared responsibility to protect it. The event included a reflective reading of the Canticle, a guided walk through the trails and a community prayer for the planet as participants celebrated both nature and their faith.  

Committing to Laudato Si’ 

On May 22, the faithful gathered at the Franciscan Renewal Center (the “Casa”) in Paradise Valley, Arizona, for a special program titled “A Celebration of the Casa’s Care for Our Common Home.” In the past decade since the release of Laudato Si’, the Casa community has aimed to foster a deeper respect for creation, promote sustainable habits and deepen their commitment to a lifestyle that respects the Creator’s handiwork. Provincial Councilor Br. Sam Nasada, OFM, was on hand for the celebration, which included a prayer and presentation, the blessing of solar panels, activities for children and teens and a commemorative dinner and fellowship. Brothers Page Polk, OFM, Vincent Nguyen, OFM, and Matt Ryan, OFM, also took part. See The Casa’s celebration here in its entirety.  

El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz signs a letter implementing the diocese’s Laudato Si’ Five Year Action Plan. (Photo courtesy of Br. Ignatius Harding, OFM)

In El Paso, Texas, friars, including Br. Ignatius Harding, OFM, have strived to re-energize a diocesan team working to move the local community from reflection to action by implementing a Laudato Si’ Action Plan. During a joyful gathering on May 25 at St. Luke Parish, Bishop of El Paso Mark Seitz gave a moving homily emphasizing the integral ecology and care for the poor/care for creation focus of Laudato Si.’ The celebration culminated in Bishop Seitz signing a letter formally putting the El Paso Diocese Laudato Si’ Five Year Action Plan into effect. 

Meaningful resources 

Br. Ed Mckenzie, OFM, has found a very personal way to incorporate the Canticle into his ministry and share it with others in need of healing. He developed a meditation based on the Canticle that he has used with the veterans he works with who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other anxieties, along with incorporating it into retreats he has given at Old Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California.  

A combat veteran himself, Br. Ed said the meditation evolved from the therapy he participated in during his own struggle with PTSD.  

“Guided meditation that encouraged mindfulness was an important part of the therapy,” he explained. “I had a lot of time to reflect on this, and I was able to dovetail our Franciscan tradition into what was a rather secular example of therapeutic mindfulness that we practiced there. It has now become a part of my prayer and my life. It helps me to have a ‘healthier’ life. I am grateful to St. Francis for giving us this avenue to healthy living.”  

Another valuable resource is a video presentation by Br. Bill Short, OFM, focusing on the connection between the Canticle and integral technology. The video is accompanied by a reflection guide that can be adapted for use in group discussions and ministry settings.  

The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation is developing additional resources and will continue to share other offerings from the Franciscan family in the coming months.