Sunday Worship

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Sunday Worship: Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday Worship, Saint Francis of Assisi

A service reflecting on the life & work of St Francis of Assisi from the National Gallery

A service reflecting on the life and work of Saint Francis of Assisi, from the National Gallery in London, led by Denis Nowlan with Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the Gallery.

From some of the earliest medieval panels, relics and manuscripts to modern-day sculptures, the National Gallery’s current exhibition on St Francis of Assisi shines a light on how the well-known saint has captured the imagination of artists through the centuries, and how his appeal has transcended generations, continents and different religious traditions.

In today’s Sunday Worship, Denis Nowlan, in conversation with the Director of the Gallery, Gabriele Finaldi, look at why this saint is a figure of enormous relevance to our time due to his spiritual radicalism, commitment to the poor, and love of God and nature, as well as his powerful appeals for peace.

Much of the music was recorded in and around Assisi in Italy. Readings and prayers were recorded in Hilfield Friary, Dorset.

Producer: Andrew Earis


Note: This programme was not scripted but was recorded on location.

Readings
Matthew 16:24, Matthew 10:34-39, Philippians 2:5-8

Music
All creatures of our God and King (Lasst Uns Erfreuen)
Kantos Chamber Choir, recorded in Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi, in 2018

The Birds (movement 2: The Dove) - Respighi
London Symphony Orchestra, CD recording

Karitas – Hildegard of Bingen
Recorded by Kantos Chamber Choir in San Damiano, Assisi, in 2018

Brother, sister, let me serve you
Kantos Chamber Choir, recorded in Curia Generale dei Frati Minori, Rome, in 2018

Adagio for strings - Barber
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, CD recording

Beati voi poveri - Taize
Taize - Music of Unity and Peace, CD recording

Canticle of the Creatures
sung by Friar Alessandro, recorded in 2018

Laudate omnes gentes - Taize
Kantos Chamber Choir, recorded outdoors in Eremo della Carcere, above Assisi, in 2018

On the nature of daylight - Max Richter
Max Richer Orchestra, CD recording

The Lord bless you and keep you – John Rutter
Kantos Chamber Choir, recorded in Curia Generale dei Frati Minori, Rome, in 2018

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