Near the end of his life Francis of Assisi encapsulated the profound truth of existence in his cosmic hymn "Canticle to the Creatures" In this mystical understanding he knew that all created things were kin to him. He say everything in relationship as sister and brother and worthy of great praise and thanksgiving. Francis and Clare's journey led them to a deep, mystical understanding of sacred Oneness.   Today they are models for the emerging ecological movement that now understands the interconnectedness of everything and the knowledge that what we do to the planet we do to ourselves. As Franciscans our vision is to help restore, using all the gifts at our disposal, the beauty and integrity of this earth's original functions.  This is, for me, the call within the Franciscan Community today.  That we come to know our unity with all creation and to work toward its restoration. Artwork and Reflection by Sr. Nancy Earle, smic

Original Canticle by St. Francis

Most high, all-powerful, all 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 that you have made,
And first my lord Brother Sun,
Who brings the day; and light you give to us through him.
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 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, lowly, precious and pure.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
Through whom you brighten up the night. 
How beautiful is he, how gay! Full of power and strength.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Earth, our mother,
Who feeds us in her sovereignty 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 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 no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks,
And serve him with great humility.