The Troubadour of Creation

Today, we had a special treat! We went to La Verna, the place where St Francis received the stigmata from our Lord.

La Verna is somewhat off the beaten track. Even our tour leader and our accompanying priest have not been here. But our driver felt that we needed to see it and agreed to drive into the mountains to get here. I'm truly glad he did. I can recognise why Francis felt that he was so close to God there. The cool mountain air, the glorious view of the surrounding regions and most of all, the beautiful song of the birds in the trees.

Most of the day following was spent in travel. We reached Antibes a little on the late side. But it was worth it. And since this post is so short, I'll just end off with one of the most famous prayers composed by St Francis- the Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the Canticle of the Sun.

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honour 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 splendour;

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 which you give sustance 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 coloured flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed those who endure in peace, for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be 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

More of Francis' prayers on the OFM website.
More of my photos plus a video of trees and birdsong here.