Praying With Birds

As I sat alone in parochial office this morning first time after Divine Mercy Sunday, I have felt strong connection with the Patron Saint of my ordination class, St. Francis of Assisi. And prayed with him in praise of God of all creation as I was recording baptism of infants and issuing baptismal certificates, avoiding sudden moves as much as it was possible, watching in awe birds flowing in through open doors of the office and picking up on leftovers of grains from offertory procession of Divine Mercy Sunday - the gifts were brought to the office after the Mass for distribution - that laid on the floor here and there as the cleaning of the office was to be done later on...


Watching birds flowing in and listening to their songs of praise was such a delightful experience. I stopped at one point writing and just sat motionless contemplating the beauty of the Creation, repeating words of canticle of Saint Francis:

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.

Heavenly Father,
You gave Your servant Francis
great love for each of Your creatures.
Teach us to see Your design in all of creation.
We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.