Once upon a time, me, my mother and our friend Helen went to Italy. We stopped off in Assisi, the town associated with St. Francis. There is a beautiful cathedral there where his remains are (shown below) and the entire town is practically dedicated to him. While we were there, we accumulated various sayings or prayers that he had preached, this being the one that sticks with me most favorably. It seems that the words are written with only love behind them... something that I don't see a lot nowadays.
The Canticle of the Creatures
Most high omnipotent good Lord,
to Thee Praise, glory, honour
and every benediction.
To Thee alone Most High do they belong.
And no man is worthy to pronounce Thy Name.
Praise be to Thee my Lord with all Thy
creatures.
Especially for Master Brother Sun
Who illuminates the day for us,
And Thee Most High he manifests.
Praise be to Thee my Lord
for Sister Moon and for the stars.
In Heaven Thou hast formed them,
shining, precious, fair.
Praise be to Thee my Lord for Brother
Wind,
For air and clouds,
clear sky and all the weathers
Through which Thou sustainest all thy creatures.
Praise be to Thee my Lord for Sister Water.
She is useful and humble, precious and pure.
Praise be to Thee my Lord for Brother
Fire,
Through him our night Thou dost enlighten,
And he is fair and merry, boisterous and strong.
Praise be to Thee my Lord for our Sister
Mother Earth,
Who nourishes and sustains us all,
Bringing forth divers fruits,
and many-coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be to Thee my Lord for those
who pardon grant for love of Thee
And bear infirmity and tribulation,
Blessed be those who live in peace,
For by Thee Most High they shall be crowned.
Praise be to Thee 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 be found
in Thy most Holy Will;
To them the second death can do no harm.
O bless and praise my Lord all creatures,
And thank and serve Him in deep humility.
St. Francis
