Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
to you belong praise, glory, honor, and all blessing.
To you alone, Most High,
does it belong, and no man is worthy to mention your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord brother sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
your, Most High, is his likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, for brother wind,
for air and clouds, for clear sky and every kind of weather,
through which you give sustenance to your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for sister water,
which is very useful and humble, precious and chaste.
Be praised, my Lord, for brother fire,
through whom you light up the night,
and he is beautiful and joyful, powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us
and produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, for those who grant 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.
Be praised, my Lord, for sister bodily death,
from which no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin;
blessed are those who will find your most holy will,
for the second death shall have no power over them.
Praise my Lord and bless him,
give him thanks and serve him with great humility.
(Francis of Assisi /1182–1226/, Canticle of the Creatures,
translation by B. J. Štivar and M. Koronthályová)
