Sr Anne's Reflections

Dear Sisters,
This brings my love and best wishes to you all as we celebrate the Feast of St Francis in 2025.
As you know this is an especially significant year being the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Sun, the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si, and the Jubilee Holy Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The Canticle was composed at San Damiano when Francis body was frail and his sight nearly gone. It was in this context that Francis praises God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and all the elements of creation (Water, earth, air, and fire). Francis, in the midst of his own pain, was able to see the world with new eyes and he established a new relationship with creation, seeing God’s goodness in everything. Even Sister Death was welcomed as part of the great family of creation. For Francis all of creation is family, every creature reflects God’s glory, and our lives are to be signs of care, love, and praise.

Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, affirms this message, inviting us to care for our common home and honour the sacredness of all life. They both stress the intrinsic dignity of creation and the call to respect, protect and live in harmony with all creatures: “We are called to recognize that other living beings have a value of their own in God’s eyes” (LS 69).
The Canticle and Laudato Si’ invite us to witness to our Franciscan charism. As we live simply, respect creation and practice forgiveness we show the world that every part of creation is a gift, every life is precious, and every act of love and care can help heal our hurting world. These convictions were shared in our Chapter sessions, and it was recommended that we plan a programme to deepen our understanding of the seven major goals of Laudato Si’. This initiative, as we know, is being guided and taken forward by Sr. Joan Kerley, our Justice and Peace Coordinator.

Celebrating the Feast of St Francis in this special time of grace and renewal of the Jubilee year is also very meaningful. As followers of St Francis may this special 800th centenary and this jubilee renew us so that our lives themselves can be a living canticle, a song of praise.
On this feast, let us pray for one another, for our companions on the journey, all those who support us in whatever way, and for the whole earth. May the simplicity, humility and ardent love with which Francis followed Christ, continue to inspire our way of life in 2025.

Creator God,
we thank you for the wonders
of the earth, our common home,
and all that you have made to nourish and sustain us.
Forgive us for the times when we have taken more than we need.

Feed us now with your love, O Lord,
and lead us to follow the example of St Francis,
as we seek to build a better world
and sing a song of praise for all creation.

St Francis, pray for us.
(thanks to Cafod, Catherine Gorman)

• Wishing you a happy Feast of St Francis.

Love and prayer,