October 4 is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, an Italian friar, beloved saint, and one of the most venerated individuals in Christian history. He founded the Franciscan Order for men and Order of Saint Clare for women. St. Francis is widely known for his love of nature and animals. Perhaps, the most famous song and prayer attributed to St. Francis is the “Canticle of Brother Son,” more commonly referred to as, “Canticle of the Creatures.”
Although the Canticle reads as a spontaneous, continual prayer flowing from the heart of St. Francis, it falls into distinct segments. The first four lines (section 1) cite God alone, the Creator, who deserves first place in our reverence and praise.
The subsequent 18 lines (section 2) focus on the various “brother” and “sister” creatures that God has made. He praises God for their beauty and wonder, and for the way they mirror God’s goodness. Hence, we too can embrace these creatures as brothers and sisters, as they are members of the same family of God to which we belong.
After St. Francis wrote the original lines of the Canticle and joyfully sang them, he composed five lines (section 3) to help resolve a dispute that had arisen between the mayor of Assisi and the local bishop. Francis asked one of his friars to sing those four lines in the presence of the two men who were quarreling, so they might be reconciled. A reconciliation subsequently did take place. The lines of reconciliation were eventually added to the original parts of the Canticle.
Later in life, as St. Francis became aware that he was dying, he added the last seven lines (section 4) to his already deeply moving Canticle. Throughout this completed Canticle, St. Francis saw God’s goodness, radiance, and beauty in all creatures. He saw them as benevolent friends, as brothers and sisters — as family. And, in facing his own mortality, even death itself became a friend and like a “sister” to him.
Read gently the Canticle of the Creatures below by section. Contemplate on the section of the Canticle that you find most relevant to your life at this moment in time. Follow up with a prayer. And, walk forth as St. Francis did living a life without fear, and befriending every creature along life’s path.
May you find the joy of unconditional love and acceptance that he did.
Prayers and Blessings,
Fr. John
The Canticle of the Creatures
Section 1 –
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.
Section 2 –
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.
Section 3 –
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.
Section 4 –
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.
