Introduction

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad! Alleluia! Alleluia! Indeed, these days made by the Lord are now noticeably longer. Spring is here! A season ends. A season begins. The start of a new season is always a good time to reflect upon the wonder of creation and to praise the Creator of all wonders! Saint Francis of Assisi did not need a calendar to remind him to look for joy and majesty in God’s works.

Wherever he went, Francis marveled at the beauty of every sunrise and sunset. He listened with delight to birdsong and the chirping of crickets. He was always amazed by the stars above and by the rush of a river’s current. He gazed in awe at flowers & herbs. One can almost imagine his glee at the site of the growing grapes or olive groves in the fields below the walled city of Assisi!

Late in life, while recovering from an illness near the little Church of Saint Damian (where his spiritual journey began), Francis wrote a song-prayer that is remembered as the Canticle of the Creatures. It was one of the first works of literature composed entirely in Italian. As we mark this change of seasons, let us join Saint Francis in his song of praise and thanksgiving to the “Most High” who creates all things and gives all living things their breath and life and ultimately, their rest.

The Canticle of the Creatures

Most High, almighty and good Lord,
yours are the praises,
the glory, the honor, and all blessings!
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no person is worthy to mention your holy name!
Praised be you, my Lord,
with all your creatures,
especially our Brother Sun, who gives us the day
and through whom you give us the light.
He is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
and he bears the likeness of you, Most High Lord!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Moon and all the stars;
in heaven, you formed them
clear and precious and beautiful!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather,
through which you sustain your creations!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night;
he is beautiful and robust and strong!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Earth,
who sustains and governs us;
and who produces fruits
with colored flowers and herbs!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through those who show mercy for your love;
and suffer sickness and tribulations!
Blessed are those
who endure in peace for by you,
they will be crowned!
Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Death,
from whom no living creature can escape!
Woe to those who perish in mortal sin!
Blessed are those
whom death will find in your holy will,
for this death will do them no harm!
Praised and bless my Lord!
Give him thanks and serve him always
with great humility! Amen!

Through this prayerful verse, Saint Francis reveals a deep mystical connection with God and God’s creations (to which he refers intimately as “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon”, etc.). He sings of life, he sings of death, he sings of seasons. Winter ends. Spring begins. Day by day, night after night, season after season, Saint Francis brings us closer to God, the Creator of all things, the Father of our Risen Lord. This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad! Alleluia! Alleluia! Saint Francis, pray for us! Saint Clare, pray for us! Our Lady of Angels, pray for us!

Our Prayers

For our families & friends, we pray: Hail Mary…
For our parish communities, we pray: Hail Mary…
For our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray: Hail Mary…
For our departed brothers & sisters, we pray: Hail Mary…
For the Catholic Church around the world, we pray: Hail Mary…
For all who have asked us to pray for them, we pray: Hail Mary…
For more faith, hope, and love in our world, we pray: Hail Mary…
Our Father…

The Praises of God

You are the Holy Lord God who does wonderful things.
You are strong. You are great. You are the Most High.
You are the Almighty King.
You Holy Father, King of heaven and earth.
You are three and one, the Lord God of gods.
You are good, all good, and the highest good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love and charity. You are wisdom and humility.
You are patience. You are beauty. You are meekness.
You are security. You are rest. You are gladness and joy.
You are hope. You are justice. You are moderation.
You are our riches to sufficiency.
You are beauty. You are gentle. You are the protector.
You are our custodian and defender.
You are strength. You are refreshment.
You are our faith, our hope, and our love.
You are all our sweetness. You are our eternal life.
Great and wonderful Lord,
Almighty God, Merciful Savior,
forever and ever. Amen!

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us!
Holy Men & Women of Assisi, pray for us!
Our Lady of Angels, pray for us!

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About Us

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a ‘Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit’ with friends and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. As we begin our second decade, we will lead our annual fall pilgrimage to Assisi; meet monthly for Mass, faith formation, and faith sharing; and offer adults several opportunities to experience a Franciscan-style “hermitage retreat.” For more information about the Assisi Project and upcoming opportunities for faith formation, prayer, and pilgrimage in the Franciscan spiritual tradition, please contact Cliff Garvey at c.garvey@ymail.com. May the Lord give you peace!

Follow us on Twitter: @_AssisiProject