Every year in the quiet glow of evening light
We remember Francis of Assisi’s final sight
Not as an end, nor fading breath
But love fulfilled beyond all death
Year ago celebrated with sky and flame
In Canticle, all called by name
Brother Sun and Sister moon
And all creation in one tune
A life poured out in simplicity
In God’s embrace in humility
With empty hand in serenity
Found his home in poverty
Even death he did not fear
For Sister death was gentle near
O what a heart so light, so free
To welcome death in harmony
His passing speaks, his silence cries
“Let go off earth, seek higher skies”
For life is a gift, and nothing ours
But grace that blooms like hidden flowers
And we his children walk this way
Invited still from day to day
To lose our pride, our selfish claim
To see Christ in poor, weak, on love’s flame.
So may we journey hand in hand
With faith that helps us understand
That dying daily we shall live
With hearts made free, and love to give
And at the end like him we say
“I’ve walked in hope along the way
What I’ve done was mine to do
Now Christ will guide the rest in you”.
