Fraternity with All Creation

One line on our back cover sums up the whole spirituality of Francis: "All creatures are our brothers and sisters." For him nature was not a "resource" to use and throw away, but a family — children of one Father. The sun is our brother, the moon our sister, the wind our brother, water our sister, and the earth both our mother and our sister.

Climate change, floods, drought and plastic pollution — our coasts, rivers and farmlands already bear the pain. Laudato Si' reminds us that "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" are one. Francis's vision is no longer optional; it is necessary.

"Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth."

— The Canticle of the Creatures

The Complete Canticle

The Canticle of the Creatures

Canticle of Brother Sun (Canticum Fratris Solis) • St Francis of Assisi, 1225 • English rendering: The Editorial Team

1. Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, yours are the praise, the glory and the honour, and all blessing. To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no one is worthy to speak your name.
2. Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom you give us light. He is beautiful and radiant with great splendour; of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
3. Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in heaven you formed them, clear and precious and beautiful.
4. 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.
5. Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble, precious and chaste.
6. Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you light the night. He is beautiful and playful, robust and strong.
7. Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and brings forth various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
8. Praised be you, my Lord, through those who pardon for love of you, and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they shall be crowned.
9. Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living person can escape… Blessed are those whom she finds in your most holy will, for the second death shall do them no harm.
10. Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks, and serve him with great humility.

Behind the Canticle

Written in the Umbrian dialect of Italian, the Canticle is counted among the earliest works of Italian literature. Francis added the verse on forgiveness to end a quarrel between the Bishop and the Mayor of Assisi, and the verse on death shortly before his own.

Laudato Si': Change Begins at Home

Francis's ecological vision was not born in scientific conferences; it was born in wonder and gratitude. A man who stops to praise a flower will not trample it. Laudato Si' (Praise Be to You), published in 2015, says the same: whoever does not look at nature with awe will see it only as something to consume and exploit. If, like Francis, we feel related to everything, simplicity and care follow naturally.

The encyclical proposes an "integral ecology": environmental problems and social justice cannot be separated. When sea levels rise, the fishing families' huts are the first to go under; when drought comes, the small farmer is the first to suffer. Protecting creation is a way of loving the poor.

Ten Green Steps for Families

• Cloth bags and steel water bottles — goodbye to single-use plastic
• Harvest rainwater; turn the tap off while brushing
• Switch off lights and fans you aren't using
• Compost your kitchen waste
• Grow a terrace or kitchen garden
• Waste no food — share the leftovers
• Walk or cycle for short trips
• Give old clothes and goods to those who need them
• Plant a sapling on every birthday
• Thank God for creation before every meal

A Green Plan for the Parish

• A "Francis Garden" on church grounds — room for wildflowers and birds
• No plastic buntings or plates at festivals; use banana leaves and palm fronds
• Celebrate the "Season of Creation," 1 September – 4 October
• Solar panels on the church roof — a gift of "Brother Sun"

"Hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

— the heart of Laudato Si'