The Canticle of the Creatures

Saint Francis of Assisi (adapted)

January/February 2009

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O Holy One, Creator of life,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor,
and all blessing.
To You alone do they belong,
and no one is worthy to mention Your name.
Be praised, my God, through all your creatures,
especially through Brother Sun, who brings the day;
and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, O God, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my God, through Sister Moon
and the stars, in heaven you formed them
clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my God, 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 God, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my God, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night and he is beautiful
and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my God, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my God,
through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, they shall become peaceful.
Praised be You, my God,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
who embraces us on our journey home.
Praise and bless my God,
and give You thanks
and serve You with great humility.

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