The Canticle of the Sun
St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of birds, loved nature and all animals, because it reflects the beauty and generosity of the Lord. His “Canticle of Creatures”, (also known as the “Canticle of the Sun”) is a beautiful Catholic prayer, an ode to nature and her Creator. St. Francis’ love and respect for all living creatures also granted him the title “Patron saint of ecology.”
The Canticle of the Creatures
“Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
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, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.”
Pray to St. Francis and All the Saints with Hozana
Discover the many prayer communities on Hozana to assist you in your time of prayer.
Join a 7-day prayer program to St. Francis of Assisi, and learn to become an instrument of God’s peace. Say a novena to St. Clare of Assisi, pray for her intercession to grow spiritually!
