Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
to you all praise, glory and honour and all blessing;
to you alone, Most High, they belong
and no one is worthy of naming you.
Praised by you, Lord God,
with all your creatures,
especially Brother Sun,
who brings day, and by whom you enlighten us;
he is beautiful, he shines with great splendour,
of you, Most High, he is a symbol.
Praised be you, Lord God, for sister Moon and the Stars:
in the heavens you formed them,
clear, precious and beautiful.
Praised by you, Lord God, for Brother Wind
and for the air and for the clouds,
for the azure calm and for all elements
by which you give life to your creatures.
Praised by you, Lord God, for Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble,
precious and chaste.
Praised by you, Lord God, for Brother Fire,
by whom you enlighten the night:
he is beautiful and joyous,
indomitable and strong.
Praised by you, my Lord,
for Sister our mother the earth
who nourishes us and bears us,
and produces all kinds of fruits,
with the speckled flowers and the herbs.
– St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226AD)