A few of my favorite sentences and phrases attributed to the mystical man who connected deeply with the non-human world.
Some pictures over the years. I often call him my hero.
St. Francis of Assisi is famous for being the first recorded individual to receive the stigmata, which are the wounds of Jesus’ crucifixion, on his body in September 1224. During a period of intense prayer on Mount La Verna, a vision of a crucified seraph (angel) appeared to him, and with it came the marks of nails in his hands and feet and a wound in his side. These wounds, which he bore until his death, are considered a sign of his deep communion with Christ and serve as a reminder of Christ’s suffering for humanity. (Google)
Saint Francis composed this song of praise in 1225, and it is considered the first poem in vernacular Italian. Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si” takes its name and inspiration from Saint Francis’ work. The title means “Praise Be to You” in medieval Italian, a phrase that is repeated throughout the Canticle.
The Canticle of the Sun
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessings.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man 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 to 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 Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us 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.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man 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.
Amen.
Enjoy the beauty of this God-filled Universe,
~ Marce
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