Saint Francis had created a new hymn,
Played on a fiddle that he improvised,-
The hymn to 'Brother Sun' we owe to him,
Composed with fervor for our Lord the Christ.

He called 'dear cherished brothers' wolf and bear,
And preached to them a little homily,
Addressing each of them: “Mon petit chèr frère”
“Be good and do behave - this is my plea!'

And then he preached to birds affectionately:
“Now listen little sisters to my word,
Keep up your singing in the wood or lea,
To give due praise and glory to the Lord!”

He is Protector Saint of animals,
That gather for his blessing once a year,
October 4th, when songs and madrigals
Are sung on high that beasts on earth can hear.

A devoté of Lady Poverty,
He sang devotedly this lady’s praise.
And she in turn - for his fidelity
Rewarded Francis with abundant grace.

Saint Francis charmed all nature, men and beast,
But for the Lord alone reserved his poetry.
When he the leprous beggar’s ulcers kissed,
He thrilled the realms of eternity.

He called grim reaper death: “Ma Chère Petite Soeur“-
'Dear Little Sister Death' - I fear Thee not,
You are the gate that leads to the Seigneur,
The Sovereign, the loving Christ and God!”.

St. Francis, minnesinger, poet sweet
That charmed all nature, men, and birds and beast,
Please exercise your magic spell we plead
To charm us on to Christ on this your Feast.

© Elizabeth Dandy


October 4th, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Take your pets in for the yearly blessing!