The Canticle of Creation

Be praised Good Lord for Brother Sun who brings us each new day.

Be praised for Sister Moon: white beauty bright and fair, with wandering stars she moves through the night.

Be praised my Lord for Brother Wind,for air and clouds and the skies of every season.

Be praised for Sister Water: humble, helpful, precious, pure; she cleanses us in rivers and renews us in rain.

Be praised my Lord for Brother fire: he purifies and enlightens us.

Be praised my Lord for Mother Earth: abundant source, all life sustaining; she feeds us bread and fruit and gives us flowers.

Be praised my Lord for the gift of life; for changing dusk and dawn; for touch
and scent and song.

Be praised my Lord for those who pardon one another for love of thee, and endure sickness and tribulation.

Blessed are they who shall endure it in peace, for they shall be crowned by Thee.

Be praised Good Lord for sister Death who welcomes us in loving embrace.

Be praised my Lord for all your creation serving you joyfully.

Francis of Assisi, 1225 A.D

A Prayer for the Forgotten Dead

O merciful God,
take pity on those souls
who have no particular friends and intercessors
to recommend them to Thee, who,
either through the negligence of those who are alive,
or through length of time are forgotten
by their friends and by all.
Spare them, O Lord,
and remember Thine own mercy,
when others forget to appeal to it.
Let not the souls which Thou hast created
be parted from thee, their Creator.

May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.