CANTICO DEL SOLE


Praise of the Creatures: Canticle of the Sun


Most High, Almighty, Good Lord,
Glory, honor, and every blessing be unto Thee.

To Thee alone, Most High, do they belong.
No man is worthy to pronounce Thy name.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for all Thy creatures,
especially Mr. Brother Sun,
through whom Thou givest us day and light;
he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
bearing the meaning of Thee, Most High.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for Sister Moon and Stars;
in the heavens Thou hast made them, bright and precious and fair.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for Brother Wind,
and for the air, cloudy and clear and in every kind of weather,
by whom all Thy creatures are given sustenance.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and pure.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
by whom the night is illuminated;
he is beautiful and jolly and robust and strong.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for our sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains us and teaches us,
and produces diverse fruits and colorful flowers and herbs.

Praised be Thou, my Lord, for those who forgive one another for Thy love's
sake, and suffer illness and trials;
blessed are they who endure them in peace,
for they will be given crowns by Thee, Most High.

Praise be to Thee, my Lord, for our sister the mortal body,
which no man alive can escape;
woe unto those who die in mortal sin;
blessed are they who find themselves in Thy most blessed will,
for death will not harm them a second time.

Praise and bless and thank my Lord, everyone,
and worship Him with great humility.


St Francis of Assisi

(Translation by Yahya Monastra)

Graphics by Lisa