Canticle of the Creatures

Today, Oct. 4^th is the feast day of St. Francis, lover of all creation and her creatures great and small.

It is a day honored still at many churches and parishes with the ‘Blessing of the Pets’. We (SMFs) have pets. We have stories and emails about pets. They are a part of our lives and our histories. They are our family. They feel our pain, endure our sadness and smile when we smile.  We learn of unconditional love through them. We grieve them when they’re gone. Can we have a greater gift other than family? We welcome them into our homes and they give back more than we ever expected.

St. Francis knew this and has taught it to us. His legacy lives on through his teachings. May we honor him by honoring our relationship with our pets and acknowledge the goodness brought to our world by all God’s creatures.

I didn’t know of the Canticle of Creatures by St. Francis until now. It is beautiful. Please see the following websites for reference.

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/francis/blessing.asp

http://www.appleseeds.org/canticle.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canticle_of_the_Sun

Cathy

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

all praise is yours, all glory, all honor,

and all blessing.

To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.

No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through all you have made,

and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day;

and through whom you give us light.

How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor;

Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon

and the stars; in the heavens you have made them,

bright, and precious, and fair.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through Brothers wind and air, and fair and stormy,

all the weather's moods,

by which you cherish all that you have made.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,

so useful, humble, precious and pure.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom you brighten up the night.

How beautiful is he, how cheerful!

Full of power and strength.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister

Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us,

and produces various fruits with colored flowers

and herbs.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through those who grant pardon for love of you;

through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy are those who endure in peace,

By You, Most High, they will be crowned.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,

From whose embrace no mortal can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin!

Happy those she finds doing your will!

The second death can do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks

And serve him with great humility.