In celebration of the 800th year of the Canticle of Creation by Saint Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) held a special talk during its Institutional In-Service on September 24, 2025, at the FCIC Main AVR. The speaker, Father Randy Rendora, shared a meaningful reflection titled “A Biblical and Theological Reflection on the 800 Years of the Canticle of Creatures of Saint Francis of Assisi.” However, Father Randy focused more on the Franciscan Teaching rather than the theological part, since he said that the topic is very broad and would need more time to discuss deeply.
Father Randy explained that the Canticle of Brother Sun is not just a simple poem. It is a song that Saint Francis wrote during the last moments of his life. Even though he was weak, blind, and in pain, he did not let his suffering bring sadness or bitterness to his song. Instead, he continued to rejoice and praise God through His creation. Father Randy said that despite all the pain Saint Francis experienced, he still saw the beauty of life and the goodness of God’s gifts. He believed that creation is one of the greatest and most special gifts God gave to humanity. This teaches us that no matter what we face, we should still be thankful and see the goodness around us. Father Randy also reminded everyone that we must take good care of creation, because it reflects the love of the Creator.
Father Randy also shared that we are all connected—we are all brothers and sisters, not just with each other but with all of creation. What we do to nature will affect all of us. If we destroy the environment, we harm ourselves as well. He connected this idea to the Book of Genesis, where it says that everything God created is good. Each time God created something, He said, “It is good,” or “ki tov” in Hebrew. This means that every part of creation has its own goodness and purpose. When God finished creating everything, He said it was “very good,” or “tov me’od,” which means the beauty and harmony of all creation together. Father Randy explained that this shows how everything in creation works together in peace and balance, just as God intended. When humans destroy this balance, we also destroy the harmony and beauty that God made.
In the end, Father Randy encouraged everyone to be more mindful and responsible in caring for the environment. He reminded us that everything we do to nature will come back to us—whether good or bad. If we take care of creation, it will take care of us; but if we harm it, we will also suffer the effects. The Canticle of Creation teaches us to live in harmony with the world around us and to always praise God through the beauty of His works. As we celebrate 800 years of this beautiful song, may we also learn to live like Saint Francis—joyful, thankful, and respectful toward all of God’s creation.
By Rowen Jay Loquillano
