Usapang Saint Francis: The Canticle of Brother Sun

Continuing our commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi in the context of the 800 anniversary of his Transitus, we discuss in this episode the Canticle of Brother Sun or also known as the Canticle of Creatures.

This Canticle was composed by St. Francis while he was staying in San Damiano, tired and almost blind after preaching in Mount La Verna and receiving there the stigmata of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus this Canticle was born in the context of this mystical experience of suffering and the awareness of death's nearness and God's graces.

Francis tasked his friars to sing this Canticle when they preach. This canticle of praise, filled with Francis's vision of a universe mirroring the presence of the Triune God, could only have come from the heart of a mystic. When seen in the light of San Damiano, filled as it is with images of both saints Francis and Clare, the Canticle of Brother Sun becomes a beautiful, meaningful reflection of both.

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The Canticle of Brother Sun

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing,

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir 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 of 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,

Who 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 our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains 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, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no one living 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.