St Francis – The Canticle of the Creatures

The Canticle of the Creatures was written by Francis towards the end of his life. It was written over three periods of time. Verses 1-9 and 15 are believed to have been written in 1225, verses 10-11 were written in 1225 and verses 12-14 in September 1226, shortly before his death in October 1226. (see the Canticle in and at the end of the Reflection)

It is generally agreed that this Canticle is amongst the earliest poems to be written in the vernacular, Umbrian, as opposed to ecclesiastical Latin. It was written to be sung, the last verses were dictated by Francis to Bro Angelo and Leo and sung by them shortly before his death.

Click here to continue reading…08 St Francis – The Canticle of the Creatures pr 17-08-24