Friday was the feast of Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Born into a rich merchant family, Francis left all to live and work and witness with the poor. He answered a gospel call to be ordinary. He is reported to have encouraged his community: “Preach the gospel at all times and use words when necessary.”
He talked lovingly of sun, moon and stars like they were his sisters and brothers. Let Francis be a reminder to us today of our own call to care for the integrity of creation. Here is a video clip of the Canticle of the Creatures as sung by Claudio Baglioni in Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna (1972) the Italian version of Franco Zefferelli’s film “Brother Sun, Sister Moon.”
In translation:
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 one is worthy to mention Your name.Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures,
especially 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,
which 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, they shall be crowned.
