Collection: St. Francis of Assisi: Br. Sun, Sr. Thea

ARTIST: Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS

ARTWORK NARRATIVE:

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
—Saint Francis of Assisi

“I don't try to make sense of suffering. I try to make sense of life...I try each day to see God's will...I console myself with the old Negro spiritual, 'Sooner will be done the troubles of this world. I'm going home to live with God.”
—Sr. Thea Bowman

St. Francis' feast day is October 4.

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The Canticle of Brother Sun

 

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor,

and all blessing.

 

To You alone, Most High, do they 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 in all his splendor!

Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

 

Praise 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 which

You give sustenance to Your creatures.

 

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

which 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 Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains us and governs us and who produces

varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

 

Praised be 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, they shall be crowned.

 

Praised be You, my Lord,

through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no living man 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. Amen.