Our Sister Birds

One time when Francis was walking with another friar in the Venetian marshes, they came upon a huge flock of birds, singing among the reeds. When he saw them, the saint said to his companion, "Our sisters the birds are praising their Creator. We will go in among them and sing God's praise, chanting the Divine Office." They went in among the birds which remained where they were, so that the friars could not hear themselves saying the Office, they were making so much noise. Eventually Francis turned to them and said, "My sisters, stop singing until we have given God the praise to which He has a right." The birds were silent immediately and remained that way until Francis gave them permission to sing again, after they had taken plenty of time to say the Office and had finished their praises. Then the birds began again as usual.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VIII

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