Darleen Pryds — How the Canticle Invites a Spirituality of Letting Go

Darleen Pryds, PhD, is the academic director of the Master of Theological Studies-Franciscan Theology online degree at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) in San Diego, California. She has taught at FST since 2001 and has a special interest in lay Franciscan spirituality and leadership. She is a historian, scholar, and author of Women of the Streets, Enduring Presence, and The King Embodies the Word.

Please consider donating to help us create more content like this. With an 800-year legacy steeped in the values of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, your Franciscan Media community embraces its mission of spreading the message of love, compassion, and understanding through books, St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Franciscan Media’s website, online events, videos, and daily emails like Saint of the Day.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:43) How the Background of the Canticle Leads to Deeper Appreciation

(00:12:30) Collision of Suffering and Beauty

(00:19:47) A Spirituality of Letting Go

(00:28:03) Learning to Let Go

(00:34:13) St. Francis, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Plum Village Buddhism

(00:43:35) Interbeing, Relationality, and Integration

(00:50:35) Encounter and Spaciousness

(00:57:38) Invitation: Live Into the Depth of Your Experience

(01:03:24) Honoring Stillness

(01:09:25) Benediction

(01:11:14) Conclusion

Show Notes

• Read Darleen Pryds' April 2025 cover story in the St. Anthony Messenger titled "Living 'The Canticle of the Creatures'"
• Enjoy more writings by Darleen Pryds
• View the photograph discussed in the episode.
• Subscribe here to the St. Anthony Messenger.