The Canticle of the Sun

Key Ideas: Christian, natural world, praise of God

(See the hymn, All creatures of our God and King, based on this canticle)

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honour and all blessing.

To You alone, Most high, do they belong,

And no man is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures,

Especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who is the day and through whom You gave us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;

And bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

And through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather

Through which You give sustenance to your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

Which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

Through whom You light the night

And he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

Who sustains and governs us,

And who produces varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Prised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love

And bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace

For by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, O Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

From whom no living man can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

For the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks

And serve Him with great humility.

St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)