By Mary Wilder Tileston

      Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion--bless the Lord, O my soul.
         --PSALMS 102:22

      O MOST high, almighty, good Lord God, to Thee belong praise, glory, honor, and all blessing.

      Praised be my Lord God with all His creatures, and specially our brother the sun, who brings us the day; fair is he and shines with a very great splendor; O Lord, he signifies to us Thee. Praised be my Lord for our sister the moon, and for the stars, the which He has set clear and lovely in heaven.

      Praised be my Lord for our sister water, who is very serviceable unto us, and humble and precious and clean. Praised be Thou, my Lord, for our brother fire; he is bright and pleasant and very mighty and strong. Praised be my Lord for our Mother the earth, who doth sustain us and keep us, and bringeth forth divers fruits and flowers of many colors, and grass.

      Praised be my Lord for all those who pardon one another for His love's sake, and who endure weakness and tribulation. Praised be Thou, my Lord, for our sister, the death of the body, from which no man escapeth.

      Praise ye and bless ye the Lord, and give thanks unto Him and serve Him with great humility.
         --ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI