In 2025, we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of Brother Sun. In the spring of 1225, shortly after his experience at La Verna, St. Francis of Assisi chose to spend fifty days at the Monastery of San Damiano, where St. Clare and the first Poor Sisters lived.
During his stay at San Damiano, Francis had been suffering through a night of pain caused by his illnesses, when he was visited by the Lord, who reassured him of His love and salvation. This event led Francis to compose the hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God that we all know.
As with the past 800th anniversary events, this year there will again be a celebration involving the entire Franciscan Family to officially kick off the centenary.
The celebration will begin at the Church of San Damiano in Assisi at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025. It will continue, that same morning, at the Bishop’s Palace – Sanctuary of the Spoliation [Church of Santa Maria Maggiore], where it will end later that morning.
Both parts of the celebration will be available for online viewing, while those wishing to attend in person may choose either location. In both sanctuaries, the other part of the celebration will be projected on a screen for attendees.
The event starts at the location where St. Francis composed most of the Canticle of Brother Sun and praised God for all His creatures. It concludes at the place where Francis’ verse about forgiveness resonates, inviting others to chant with him: “Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love.”
To follow the celebration online, go to: https://www.centenarifrancescani.org/
The website will also offer downloadable booklets containing the text of the celebration in various languages.