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Canticle of the Sun

Francis of Assisi began preaching in 1208 and received papal approval for the founding of his religious order in the following year. The last three years of his life were spent in solitude and prayer. He wrote a number of well-known prayers and poems, including the Canticle of the Sun.

Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord! All praise is yours, all

glory, all honour 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 splendour! Of you,

Most High, he bears the likeness.

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 is he,

how gay! Full of power and strength.

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

mother Who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces

Various fruits with coloured 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.

St Francis of Assisi (1181–1226)