Canticle of the Sun

    by St. Francis of Assisi, Translation from the original Italian            

    Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord!

        All praise is yours, all glory, all honor

        And all blessing.

    To you alone, Most High, do they belong.

        No mortal lips are worthy

        To pronounce your name.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made,

        And first my lord Brother Sun,

        Who brings the day; and light you give to us

        through him.

    How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor!

        Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon and Stars;

        In the heavens you have made them, bright

        And precious and fair.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,

        And fair and stormy, all the weather's moods,

        By which you cherish all that you have made.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,

        so useful, lowly, precious, and pure.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

        Through whom you brighten up the night.

        How beautiful he is, how joyful!  Full of power and strength.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Earth,

        Who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces

        Various fruits and colored flowers and herbs.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon

        For love of you; through those who endure

        Sickness and trial.

    Happy those who endure in peace,

        By you, Most High, they will be crowned.

    All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,

        From whose embrace no mortal can escape.

    Woe to those who die in mortal sin!

    Happy those She finds doing your will!

        The second death can do no harm to them.

    Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks,

        And serve him with great humility.

Linked with:Spiritual Sundays

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