Kidapawan City, North Cotabato — September 12–14, 2025. The Franciscan College of Immaculate Conception (FCIC) joyfully joined the nationwide celebration of the 800th Centenary of the Canticle of Creatures, a meaningful gathering that united various Franciscan organizations from across the Philippines.
Representing FCIC were Mr. Rowen Jay Loquillano, Regional President for YouFra Leyte Region, and Sister Jacqueline Clemencio, OSF, Regional Animator for YouFra and the Third Order Secular Franciscan. Together with delegates from other Franciscan communities, they participated in the activities held in Kidapawan City, celebrating eight centuries of St. Francis of Assisi’s timeless song of praise for creation.
The celebration officially opened with a Holy Mass at the Poor Clare Monastery in Balindog, Kidapawan City, presided by Fr. Dominic Lim, OFMConv, Chairperson of IFMCP. Participants from different Franciscan communities gathered in thanksgiving and prayer, honoring God through the beauty of creation and the message of peace and simplicity lived by St. Francis.
During the event, participants were divided into five symbolic teams — Wind, Fire, Earth, Water, and Sun & Moon — each representing a vital element of creation mentioned in the Canticle.
During the event, participants were divided into five symbolic teams — Wind, Fire, Earth, Water, and Sun & Moon — each representing an important element of creation mentioned in the Canticle of Creatures. Team Air/Wind went to Kapati, Magpet, Cotabato Province to share blessings and gifts from the Inter-Franciscan Community, bringing hope and joy to the people like the gentle wind that carries new beginnings. Team Water visited Bongolanon, Magpet, offering kindness and generosity that flowed like streams of God’s grace, reminding everyone of the power of sharing and compassion. Team Earth went to RC Martinez Farm and Garden Resort to share blessings and care for others, showing that love for creation also means love for humanity. Meanwhile, Team Fire gathered at Lake Agko, Ilomavis, Kidapawan, reflecting the warmth of service and the burning spirit of unity and compassion. Through these activities, participants were reminded that all elements of creation work together in harmony, and that we, too, are called to live with the same spirit of care, simplicity, and love for one another and for our common home.
On the second day, participants attended an Environmental Situation Talk by Atty. Aron Pedrosa at Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, followed by a session led by Ms. Maria Helenita “Betsy” Ruizo Gamela, Founding President and Executive Director of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development. Her inspiring message on faith, creation, and sustainability strengthened the call to care for our common home, echoing the Franciscan spirit of stewardship and gratitude.
The day was filled with inspiring talks, energizing activities, and moments of reflection. As evening came, participants joined in a celebration of Franciscan joy—a heartfelt expression of fraternity, faith, and love for creation.
The final day of the celebration was filled with grace and gratitude. Participants reflected on their journey, prayed together, and renewed their commitment to live out the message of the Canticle of Creatures in their daily lives.
The 800th Centenary of the Canticle of Creatures reminded everyone that St. Francis’ song still lives on today—a timeless call to praise God through creation and to live in harmony with one another and with a deeper sense of connection—to God, to one another, and to the whole of creation. We are all connected and one with nature. Let us protect and preserve our common home for the next generations.
By Rowen Jay Loquillano
