They should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which "bear the imprint of the Most High,"
and they should strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation
to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship.
From the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
    Francis was suffering horrible eye problems in the spring of 1225, unable to bear exposure to any light. During his illness, Clare and her sisters cared for Francis in a small, dark room adjacent to their convent at San Damiano. While in pain and darkness, Francis composed the first section of the most joyful of songs, the 'Canticle of the Creatures,' sometimes also called the 'Canticle of Brother Sun.'  This song is full of praise for God and the brightness & beauty of all creation.  Francis composed this song in the local Umbrian dialect rather than the traditional Latin, making these lyrics the first recorded poetry in an Italian language.
      The second section of the Canticle celebrates forgiveness. Francis added this section in September of 1226 during a time of particular turmoil in Assisi. The Mayor and Bishop of Assisi were the powerful leaders of the town, but they were also furious with each other; they hated each other. This hatred spilled out into the city and among their various supporters and factions. Although Francis was near death, out of immense love for them both, Francis intervened as a Peace Maker in this troubled situation. 
    Francis added a verse to the Canticle for them both and for all who would be peacemakers that says ‘Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love… Blessed are those who endure in peace…’
     Francis then instructed his brothers to go to both of these powerful leaders and ask them to prayerfully listen as they sang the Canticle that praises God, creation, and all those that seek peace. Through the intervention of Francis, the persistence of the Brothers, and the grace of God, the two rival leaders forgave each other and made peace - for themselves and for the people of Assisi.
    The final section of the Canticle is comprised of verses praising and graciously welcoming Sister Death. Francis composed this last section as he himself was dying at the Portiuncula.  Francis humbly lay on the floor, free of all earthly possessions, surrounded by his brother friars and dear friend Lady Jacoba Settesoli.  Francis died, experiencing his 'Transitus' or 'transition' to eternal life, late in the evening of October 3, 1226.  The Church celebrates the feast day of St. Francis each year on October 4th.

 Video & Text of the 'Canticle of the Creatures' are below 
​(Printer-friendly format here) ​​
Experience a beautiful multi-cultural video of St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures  -
graciously shared by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Santa Barbara.

Canticle of the Creatures

    St. Francis of Assisi 
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing,
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir 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 whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who 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 various fruit
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, shall they be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living 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.
          (Printer-friendly format here) ​
References -
Laura Chun, OFS is a former Minister for the San Luis Rey Secular Franciscan fraternity and engaged in Mission San Luis Rey Parish ministries. Laura is a chaplain with the Diocese of San Diego, providing pastoral care to the incarcerated.
UA-89694838-1