Canticle of the Sun: Poem & Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi

The Canticle of the Sun, also known as “Laudes Creaturarum” or “Praise of the Creatures,” is a poem written by Saint Francis of Assisi around 1224. It’s one of the earliest works of literature in the Italian language. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in Saint Francis, and have read his writings and studied about his life.

English Translation: Canticle of the Sun

“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,
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 him thanks,
and serve him with great humility.”

***Please note that this translation has been pulled from an AI source, and the source has informed me that the essence of the poem above might vary slightly from other translations due to poetic interpretation. However, I checked a few other sources and the above appears to be the more common found English translation.

Conclusion

This poem in virtual format on our YouTube channel will be added tomorrow. It can easily be used a daily devotional. “Canticle of the Sun“.