Canyon, Pueblo West, CO USA
Few people have more closely followed the teachings of Christ than St. Francis of Assisi. Francis’s love of Jesus was demonstrated by his actions; and to those that knew Francis, his love for his savior was also felt through his serenity and peace. Francis saw the world through the eyes of Jesus. In his famous poem, The Canticle of the Sun, all of creation reflects the Glory of God. Francis praises, loves and adores God for everything, even bodily death. Francis added the stanza on Sister Death as he was about to die.
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessings.
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 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 to 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 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 Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised 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, my 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. Amen.