A Canticle

Most high, all-powerful, good Lord!
All praise, all glory, all honor, all blessing, are Yours.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to speak Your Name.

Be praised, my Lord, along with all Your creatures --
Especially brother sun,
who brings the day by which You light our way.
Beautiful and radiant is he, in his great splendor,
A symbol of You, Most High.

Be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars.
In the heavens You created them, both precious and beautiful!

Be praised, my Lord, for brother wind and for the air
and the clouds and for weather fair and stormy,
by all of which You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, for sister water.
So useful is she, and humble, and precious, and chaste.

Be praised, my Lord, for brother fire,
through whom you illuminate the night.
Beautiful is he and joyful, robust and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth,
who feeds and governs us.
All the diverse fruits and herbs produces she,
with their colorful flowers.

Be praised, my Lord, for those who pardon out of love for You.
And for those who endure sickness and trial.
Blessed are they who endure in peace --
by You, Most High, will they be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mortal death,
from whom no living man or woman can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are those whom she finds following Your Most Sacred Will,
for no harm can she do them.

Praise and bless my Lord,
give Him thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.

St. Francis of Assisi

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