The Canticle of Creatures
800 years ago, Francis of Assisi was almost completely blind by the time he composed the Canticle of the Creatures.
Nevertheless, with the eyes of faith, and filled with gratitude, he contemplated the wonders of creation and perceived the presence of the Creator who gave them meaning.
To him, all creatures, mirrors of the divine perfection, were brothers and sisters because they were the work and gift of the same Author. Together they constituted the chorus of creation, which contemplates, praises, and thanks God the Creator, “the Great Almsgiver” who gives generously and with goodness.
This year, we are celebrating the 800th Anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures
The purpose of celebrating the centenary is to be open to God’s invitation here and now, walking together as sisters and brothers of the same family, and as the people of God.
To join us in this joyful event, please visit our activities page here.
The Canticle of Creatures
Most high, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory,
and the honor and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong
and no human 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 give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
and bears a likeness of You, Most High one.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon
and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear
and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
And through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather, through whom
You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister water,
who 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 various fruit
with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord, through those
who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through our Sister Bodily
Death, from whom no one living 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.
