Be praised, my Lord, with all your creatures, Especially Sir Brother Sun, Who brings the day, and you give light to us through him. How handsome he is, how radiant, with great splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Canticle of the Sun
Topic: Temperance & Humility
CANTICLE OF THE SUN
Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
All praise, glory, honor, and blessing are yours.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
And no one is worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, with all your creatures,
Especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who brings the day, and you give light to us
through him.
How handsome he is, how radiant, with great
splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon and the
Stars.
In heaven you have formed them, bright, and
precious, and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Wind,
And for Air, for Cloud, and Clear, and all
weather.
By which you give your creatures nourishment.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
She is very useful, and humble, and precious,
and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
By whom you light up the night.
How handsome he is, how happy, how powerful
and strong!
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister, Mother
Earth.
Who nourishes and governs us,
And produces various fruits with many-colored
flowers and herbs.
Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 in Assisi, Italy, emerged as a central figure in Catholicism due to his deep spirituality and radical embodiment of Christian ideals. His early life was characterized by opulence, as he was born into a wealthy cloth merchant's family. However, a transformative experience during his youth, marked by a severe illness and imprisonment during a military expedition, catalyzed a profound spiritual awakening. This pivotal moment led him to renounce his family's wealth and embrace a life of poverty. Francis's commitment to living in simplicity and his devotion to Christ were deeply influential in his journey. He adopted a life of mendicancy and piety, often finding solace in remote locations where he prayed and sought spiritual communion.
Francis's spiritual journey was marked by significant milestones, most notably the founding of several religious orders. His initial act of repairing a dilapidated chapel in Assisi was symbolic of his broader mission to rejuvenate the Christian Church. He founded the Order of Friars Minor, a congregation committed to the ideals of poverty, humility, and the preaching of the Gospel. His charisma and genuine love for all of God's creation, including animals and the environment, attracted a diverse following. Additionally, he established the Order of Saint Clare (Poor Clares) for women, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for laypeople, expanding his influence across various strata of medieval society. His contributions culminated in the Custody of the Holy Land, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding Christian holy places.
Regarded as one of the most venerated religious figures in history, Saint Francis's legacy extends far beyond the Franciscan orders he founded. His teachings and life story resonate with themes of universal love, compassion, and a profound connection with nature. His stigmata, a mystical experience of receiving the wounds of Christ, further cemented his status as a spiritual luminary. Francis’s teachings, particularly his emphasis on living in harmony with nature and his advocacy for peace and understanding, have transcended religious boundaries, making him a symbol of interfaith harmony and environmental stewardship. His life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals across the globe, embodying the essence of selfless service and humility. Saint Francis of Assisi's life narrative is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring impact of living a life dedicated to spiritual principles and altruistic values.
Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture II. Universal Peace Federation, 2011, p. 134 [St. Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Sun].
Saint Francis of Assisi
Copyright © 2017 – 2025 LuminaryQuotes.com About Us
St. Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Sun
Of the several “cantica in vulgari” which St. Francis composed, the only one that has come down to us, as far as is known, is the “Praises of the Creatures,” or, as it is now more commonly called, “The Canticle of the Sun.”
The Canticle appears to have been composed toward the close of the year 1225 in a poor little hut near the Monastery of San Damiano, whither St. Francis had retired on account of his infirmities….
–Paschal Robinson, Translator [The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi (1905)].