We have now completed five one-day pilgrimage walks from June to October through the vast expanses of Western Pomerania, with a total of 78 pilgrims from near and far, and St Francis’s Canticle of the Sun in our hearts. It was a wonderful and eventful journey. We were accompanied by the life, works and the famous Canticle of the Sun of this great saint. 

The biography of St Francis – who renounced his inheritance and career to become a beggar of his own free will, living in poverty and without possessions, in solidarity with the marginalised of his time, and who founded the Franciscan Order – made a deep impression on us and set the tone for the day. 

His deep connection with God gave rise to a devotion to all creatures. He called every creature ‘sister’ or ‘brother’ – something that can be felt in the Canticle of the Sun. Singing the song ‘Vertraut den neuen Wegen...’, we made our way to the ferry and crossed the River Peene. Four times the good ferryman had to make two crossings – giving us time to get to know one another. 

Standing by a huge oak tree, we heard about the origins of the Canticle of the Sun and were treated to the full text, before singing ‘Laudato Si’...’ – the hymn of praise to God’s creation! 

At the entrance to the village, we sang the first verse: “Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom You shine upon us. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour: a symbol of You, Most High.” We opened our hands and lo and behold, it came to pass that (2 x) exactly

We traced the paths of water and earth, once or twice even barefoot.

St Francis: “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, for she is very useful, humble, precious and chaste.” 

“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and guides us, and brings forth a variety of fruits, colourful flowers and herbs.”

We heard the calls of cranes and birds, and at the end of September we also heard deer, as there was an expert amongst us. 

                                                                                                             Veronika Seidel