An English paraphrase of the Canticle of the Sun (or Laudes Creaturarum), written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1224–1225: Francis composed the poem in Umbrian Italian while recovering from illness, praising God through all creation. William H. Draper translated and adapted it into English in 1919 for a children’s Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England. The 1623 tune Lasst uns erfreuen was paired with it, giving the hymn its majestic, joyful character.
It is widely sung in Protestant and Catholic churches, especially at Easter, harvest festivals, and creation-themed services. It celebrates God’s glory reflected in nature and calls all creatures—sun, moon, wind, water, fire, and humanity—to praise their Creator.
HYMNARY.ORG: Christendom’s most comprehensive index of hymns: Grand Rapids Michigan
Resources for Ash Wednesday (coming on March 6), including hymns hand-selected by Hymnary staff. https://t.co/5ZxDgzxMmC pic.twitter.com/IvnOjAqzUw
— Hymnary.org (@hymnary) February 28, 2019
