Canticle of the Creatures
Celebrating 800 Years of St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures
Franciscans worldwide this year are commemorating an 800-year-old prayer that, even in 1225, was a clarion call to protect our common home and live in solidarity with all creation.
Written during a time of personal suffering and illness, Canticle of the Creatures, one of St. Francis of Assisi's most profound and enduring works, expresses St. Francis' deep connection to God through the natural world. Praising Brother Sun, Sister Moon and all living things, the Canticle radiates humility, gratitude and interconnectedness — values that remain at the heart of Franciscan spirituality.
For the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and their spirituality centers, this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect. Throughout 2025, we will host special programs, events and activities inspired by the Canticle's themes: reverence for creation, care for the Earth and living in harmony with one another.
Below are upcoming events and activities; more will be added throughout the year. Please join us in this year of remembrance and renewal.
The Spirit of St. Francis, Love of Earth and Perfect Joy (online)
Feb. 5, 12 and 19
6:30 - 8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
This virtual series explores the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and how these timeless principles can enrich our modern-day spirituality. We'll delve into themes of interconnectedness with nature, simplicity and contemplation. You'll have an opportunity to share your reflections, experiences and thoughts on living out Franciscan values in today's world.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Feb. 3.
Singing a New Canticle: 1225-2025 (online)
Feb. 23
12-3 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
Francis of Assisi has inspired generations of artists, poets, mystics and nature-lovers. What is it about his inclusive vision of all creatures as brothers and sisters that can inspire us today? What clues does he offer that suggests an alternative approach to living in our "Common Home" as Pope Francis has encouraged us to do? Join us in this celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Canticle along with brothers and sisters from across the country.
Visit franfed.org for more information and to register.
*FSPA sisters, affiliates and partners in mission should register as Franciscan Federation members.
Creative Expression and Reflection with Zentangle (FSC/online)
March 6
5:30 - 7 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI or online via Zoom
Using simple and repetitive strokes, the Zentangle method is a creative and enjoyable way to focus, calm the mind and cultivate compassion for oneself and others while creating beautiful abstract art. Many people have found that creating art positively impacts their mental health. Discover your inner artist – no previous art experience is necessary.
Click the following links for more information and to register:
Solar Appreciation Day (Prairiewoods)
March 14
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA
Join us as we honor the power of the sun and its incredible contribution to a sustainable future! This morning will include talks with experts about solar energy's role in combating climate change, a reading of The Canticle of the Creatures in honor of its 800th anniversary, sun-inspired refreshments and the chance to connect with fellow sun enthusiasts.
Visit prairiewoods.org for more information.
Open Mic Night (Prairiewoods)
March 16
4:30 - 6 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA
Written by St. Francis of Assisi during a time of personal suffering and illness, the Canticle expresses St. Francis' deep connection to God through the natural world. Praising Brother Sun, Sister Moon and all living things, the Canticle radiates humility, gratitude and interconnectedness. Join us for an incredible interdisciplinary time of song, poetry, art and dance to enliven our deepening relationship with and protection of all of Creation.
Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by March 15.
Poetry Cafe (online)
March 31
6:30 - 8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
In honor of the "Canticle of the Creatures," this month's poems will focus on its themes: creation, forgiveness and death. Bring a poem related to one of these themes — either an original composition or a poem written by another author — for a time of sharing and reflection. Each participant will share their poem, and after some silence, the group will share their thoughts.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by March 28.
Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross (FSC)
April 18
10 a.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI (meet at the corner of Market and 9th streets)
This form of the Way of the Cross is a two-mile silent prayer walk from the heart of the city to the Mississippi River, stopping at 10 stations to sing, pray and reflect on injustices and suffering in our community and the world. The walk, which recalls the journey of Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary, will take about two hours. People of all ages and faith backgrounds are invited to participate.
Visit fscenter.org for more information. Registration is not required.
Earth Day
April 22
Earth Day is an annual celebration that raises awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and Earth's natural resources.
Earth Day Celebration (Prairiewoods)
April 22
12-1 p.m. CT or 5-6 p.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA
Join us as we honor the beauty of creation and our shared responsibility to protect it. This special Earth Day walk celebrates the interconnectedness of all life, inspired by the timeless words of St. Francis of Assisi. It will include a reflective reading of The Canticle of the Creatures, a guided walk through the Prairiewoods trails and a community prayer and commitment to care for our planet.
Click the following links for more information and to register by April 21:
Session 1: 12-1 p.m. or Session 2: 5-6 p.m.
Canticle of the Sun (online)
April 23
6 - 7:30 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
With a candle flame and a bowl of water, we will contemplate elements that St. Francis of Assisi celebrated to praise the Lord. We'll rejoice with Marty Haugen's song based on St. Francis' 1224 Canticle. What does it mean to relate to creation as Brother Son and Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Mother Earth? How could it feel to meditate on the blessings of beautiful light, creatures and flowers?
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by April 21.
Neighbors Day
April 26
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT
Join us in celebrating Neighbors Day, a beautiful way to care for our community and creation! This annual event helps La Crosse neighbors with spring yard work they can no longer do themselves. FSPA is honored to sponsor Neighbors Day this year as we embrace our responsibility to care for all of God's creation. Together, let's rake, trim and connect with neighbors while nurturing the Earth.
Visit habitatlacrosse.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Open Writing Circle (FSC)
May 5
6-8 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI
All are welcome to meet with others who enjoy writing in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. Guided prompts will explore themes of gratitude, interconnectedness and care for our common home. Writers of all levels and anyone inspired by the beauty of creation and the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi are invited to reflect on the 800th anniversary of "Canticle of the Creatures."
Visit fscenter.org for more information. Registration is not required.
Be Still and Know (online)
May 14
6 - 7:30 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
Deepen your relationship with creation through mindfulness and interbeing with nature. We will begin with a 20-minute guided meditation and continue with gentle, slow and sensory explorations. This Association of Nature and Forest Therapy-structured sequence was grown from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or "forest bathing." We bathe in the atmosphere of the forest (or the ecosystem we're in) and listen for the voice of the Spirit.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by May 9.
Blessed: Creative Expression & Reflection with Zentangle (FSC)
June 7
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT
Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI or online via Zoom
Using simple and repetitive strokes, the Zentangle method is a creative and enjoyable way to focus, calm the mind and cultivate compassion for oneself and others while creating beautiful abstract art. During this workshop, we will embellish the word "BLESSED" and tangle ribbons with Zentangle patterns. Spend a peaceful morning discovering your inner artist!
Click the following links for more information and to register by June 2:
Nature Immersions in Love's Creation (FSC)
June 14
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT
FSC hermitages on FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge, La Crosse, WI
We will expand our embodied awareness of our spirituality and sacred interbeing with the practices of forest therapy, breathwork and gentle body movement. These include guided meditations, individual quiet time, song and group reflections. This retreat is non-judgmental, inclusive and trauma-informed; you can adjust each activity to your needs.
Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by June 2.
Creek Cleanup in Honor of Sister Water (Prairiewoods)
June 13
9-11 a.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA
Celebrate the life-giving force of water as depicted in St. Francis of Assisi's The Canticle of the Creatures, in which Sister Water is praised for her clarity, humility and preciousness. Together, we will care for creation by cleaning up our local creek at Prairiewoods, reflecting on our connection to nature and giving thanks for the gift of water.
Visit prairiewoods.org for more information.
St. Francis Day Mass
Oct. 4
11 a.m. CT
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI
All are invited to join us for Mass in honor of St. Francis of Assisi's feast day.