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Report on Franciscan Vision Global Summit August 23 2025 By Isaac Reyes, OFS

The August session of the Franciscan Vision Global Summit (FVGS) 2025 opened with warm words of fraternity from MC Br. Arokiam John, OFM, who greeted all with the traditional Franciscan salutation: “May the Lord give you peace, dear Brothers and Sisters!”.He informed participants that the proceedings were available in six languages through simultaneous interpretation and extended a heartfelt welcome to all representatives of the Franciscan family, guest speakers, and admirers of St. Francis.

To mark the inauguration of the 32nd session of the FVGS, which began in January 2023 and is now the 8th online session of 2025, the Holy Spirit was invoked in prayer by the Postulants, Novices, Professed Sisters, and Formators of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus (FCJ), Pakistan.

Br. Arokiam then introduced Sr. Samina Chughtai, FCJ, Provincial Superior of St. Francis Province, Pakistan/Philippines, who in turn presented the speaker, Dr. Br. Noel Muscat, OFM. He delivered a scholarly and inspiring talk on the theme: “The impact of the Canticle of the Creatures and Audite Poverelle on Clare of Assisi and the early Franciscan Women,and their lessons for feminine spirituality today.”
Br. Noel reminded participants that this year marks the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Brother Sun (Canticle of the Creatures), composed by St. Francis in 1225 at San Damiano, during a time of illness when he was cared for by St. Clare and her sisters. Around the same period, he also composed the short exhortation Audite Poverelle (“Listen, O Poor Little Ones”) for the Poor Ladies. The principal sources for these compositions are the Mirror of Perfection and the Assisi Compilation from the early 14th century, while the Canticle itself is preserved in Codex 338 of the Sacro Convento Library in Assisi.

He explained that the Canticle of Brother Sun reflects three distinct moments in the final years of St. Francis:
Spring 1225 at San Damiano, when he composed the first part praising God through creation; The civil conflict between Bishop Guido II of Assisi and Podestà Bernardo de Oportulo, which inspired the section on forgiveness and peace;
The approach of death in 1226 at the Portiuncula, when Francis welcomed “Sister bodily death.”

The Br. Noel highlighted that the Canticle, written in the Umbrian dialect, portrays creation as a cosmic family of brothers and sisters—sun, moon, stars, air, water, fire, and earth—each reflecting God’s goodness. Humanity, as steward rather than owner of creation, is called to live in harmony with the natural order.

He also drew connections to the present, noting that care for creation is a central concern of the Church today. St. John Paul II declared St. Francis the Patron of Ecology in 1979, and Pope Francis continues this legacy in Laudato Si’ (2015) and Fratelli Tutti (2020), both deeply inspired by the Franciscan vision of creation as “our common home.”

Turning to feminine spirituality, Br. Noel emphasized that both the Canticle of Brother Sun and the Audite Poverelle celebrate life, providence, and God’s goodness in a contemplative manner that resonates with the Franciscan spirit lived by St. Clare and her sisters. These texts affirm complementarity and equality of men and women in God’s creation, while respecting their distinct roles.

After the presentation, Sr. Samina Chughtai guided the Question-and-Answer session, giving participants the opportunity to reflect and engage with the rich insights offered.

In conclusion, Br. Arokiam thanked Sr. Samina and Br. Noel for their contributions and invited all to the next FVGS online gathering, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025 (17:30–18:45 IST / 13:00–14:15 CET).
The session concluded joyfully with the Canticle of the Creatures, sung and danced by friar- students from the Province of Madagascar and Mauritius, joined by a Franciscan Youth member. Their vibrant performance in the local language showcased the beauty of their culture and the richness of Franciscan universality.

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