The Healing Journey

October 4, 2024

“Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation.”
— St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi composed the Canticle of the Sun in 1225 while at San Damiano, where he was recovering from an illness and staying in a cottage that St. Clare and her sisters had built for him. This song of praise thanks God for all his creations, including Brother Fire and Sister Water. It is the first poem written in vernacular Italian. According to tradition, the first time it was sung by Francis and brothers Angelo and Leo was while the saint was on his deathbed. The last verse about Sister Death is said to have been added a few minutes before he died. Pray for us, St. Francis, on your feast day today.

The Canticle of the Sun

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.

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