THE CANTICLE OF THE SUN

Saint Francis of Assisi (Feast, October 4)

Most high, all powerful, good Lord, to You be praise, glory and honor and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and there is no man worthy to name You.

Praise be to You, my Lord, with all Your creatures. Chief of all is Sir Brother Sun, who is our day; through whom You give light. Beautiful is he, radiant, with great splendor. He is a true revealer of You, Most High.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for Sister Moon and for the stars. In heaven You have formed them, bright, precious and fair.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for Brother Wind, and for the air, and for the cloud, for clear sky and for all weathers, by which You give nourishment to all Your creatures.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for Sister Water. She is most useful and humble, precious and pure.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for Brother Fire, by whom You light up the night. Fair is he and merry, mighty and strong.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and keeps us. She brings forth divers fruits, the many-hued flowers and grass.

O Creatures all! praise and bless my Lord, and gratefully serve Him with deep humility.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for those who grant pardon for love of You, and bear weakness and buffetings. Blessed are they who live in peace, for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praise be to You, my Lord, for our Sister, Bodily Death, From whom no living man can flee. Woe to them who die in mortal sin! But blessed they who shall find themselves in Your most holy will; to them the second death shall do no ill.  Amen.