10/16/2026
"Caring for the Earth, Our Sacred Home"
Saint Francis called the sun his brother and the moon his sister. His Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest and most beautiful expressions of care for creation. This week we explore what it means to live in right relationship with the earth - and with each other.
Discover how Saint Francis and Saint Clare recognized all of creation as a gift from God and lived with gratitude, humility, and care for the Earth - our shared home - following the example of Jesus.
O 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 by 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 by 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.
--St. Francis of Assisi, "The Canticle of Creatures" in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1, The Saint, Regis J. Armstrong, J.A. Wayne Hellmann and William J. Short, eds (New York: New City, 1999), pp. 113-114.
Stained Glass Window (photo) - Church of San Damiano, Assisi
Prayer: God of beauty and God of truth, everything in your creation is connected, for all share a common origin in your creating hand. Fill us with a spirit of praise, gratitude, wisdom, and courage, that we might care for creation and not misuse it, ensure that all its goods are shared in justice with all our brothers and sisters, and speak on its behalf whenever it is threatened. Amen
Saint Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us
