Poem: Canticle of Brother Sun

Beautiful And Radiant In All His Splendour 

Canticle of Brother Sun is a translation of the Umbrian (extinct Italic language) poem by St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). Written in stages during the final year of his life, and nearly blind he wrote: "For his praise, I wish to compose a new hymn about the Lord's creatures, of which we make daily use, without which we cannot live." Also known as the Canticle of the Creatures, it is included in the Poetry Appendix of the Liturgy of the Hours (1975). The popular hymn: All Creatures of Our God and King is based upon Canticle of Brother Sun.


Meditation

CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN by St. Francis of Assisi

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.

Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and You give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which You give Your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You;
through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.

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