The Canticle Garden is a gathering place
for all as we work together to care for our common home
Today, however, we have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
Pope Francis
Responding to Laudato Si'
We invite you to consider partnering with Works of Mercy Ministry as we respond to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform with our Canticle Garden on the grounds of the St. Coletta Wisconsin St. Francis Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
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The Canticle Garden is a place to deepen your faith through simultaneous connection with God and nature.
It is a pilgrim site - a sacred place for all to gather in devotion, the spirit of Laudato Si' and environmental justice.
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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
St. Francis of Assisi
What is The Canticle Garden?
Hear from Fr. Al Veik, OFM Cap:
Lord, when we listen with your ears we hear....
Lord, when we listen with your ears we hear:
the bush grown more silent,
the birdsong less vibrant,
the stream's sluggish ripple.
Have mercy and open our ears.
Lord, when we look with your eyes we see:
the soil depleted,
the sky smudged,
the oceans rubbished and the great current slowed.
Have mercy and help us see.
Lord, when we look with your eyes we see:
the workers who struggle to get by,
the woman subjected to violence,
the people who are excluded.
Have mercy and help us see.
Lord, when we listen with your ears we hear:
the sound of hungry children,
the distress of the mentally ill,
the silent pain of women and men experiencing homelessness.
Have mercy and open our ears.
Send your Spirit upon us Lord to renew our sight,
to restore our hearing,
and to reclaim your reign of justice for all people
and peace for creation.
AMEN.
See a rendering of The Canticle Garden below!