Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

“Despite the blindness that marked the final years of his life,” Brother Piloni said, “the Canticle reflects the deep gaze of faith that recognizes the beauty of creation as a reflection of divine perfection.”

Brother Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, general minister, reflected on the sun, which St. Francis describes as “beautiful and radiant with great splendor: of You, Most High, it bears the significance.”  “In these words, we find a key to understanding the entire Canticle: the sun and all creatures are signs of God, they ‘bear significance’ of Him, they speak to us of Him if we look at them with the right eyes, illuminated by faith and fixed on Jesus Christ, the Sun of Justice rising from on high,”

Brother Silvio do Socorro de Almeida Pereira, vicar of the Friars Minor Capuchin, added a reflection on death:   “Even in the face of death, Francis can say, ‘Laudato si’, mi’ Signore.’ What explains Francis’s attitude, his ability to always offer praise? His secret lies in faith in a God who is ‘the good, all good, supreme good, who alone is good.’ Only such faith can explain this constant praise, which recognizes that all comes from God and that every good is returned to Him in thanksgiving and praise.”

Quotes taken from Franciscans celebrate 800th anniversary of founder’s ‘Canticle of Creatures’ – CatholicVote org