Benedizione

Poet/Lyricist: 

Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

A personal visit to Assisi and to the Basilica of St. Francis served as inspiration for this lyrical setting of the Benedizione a Frate Leone  (Blessing for Brother Leo). I viewed the relic, the chartula (parchment) on which St. Francis penned this prayer. Friar Leo was a close companion of St. Francis. He had come to him for help, confiding that he was suffering from severe interior trials and he asked for Francis' help. In response to his friends great need, Francis penned the prayer Lodi di Dio Altissimo (The Praises of God Most High) on a piece of parchment. On the reverse side he wrote the Benedizione a Frate Leone. Upon receiving it, Leo gained instant relief. The blessing itself is from the Book of Numbers 6:25-26 (the blessing of Aaron) which Francis may have learned in a liturgical setting, as in his day, these verses were used for the rite of reconciliation on Holy Thursday.

Level: 

Moderate
Item Voicing/Instrumentation Duration Price Audio View Score Quantity
SBMP 799 SSAA, piano 3:30 $1.85 https://joanszymko.com/sites/joanszymko.com/files/audio_samples/SBMP%20799%20Benedizione.mp3 Santa Barbara Music Press
Publisher Link

Audio Credits: 

Pleiades, Joan Szymko director

Publisher: 

SBMP
Text

Benedizione a Frate Leone

Il Signore te benedica, e ti custodisca

Mostri a te il suo volto

e abbia misericordia di te.

Rivolga verso di te il suo sguardo

e ti día pace.

Translation: 

Blessing for Brother Leo

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May he show His face to you

and have mercy on you.

May He turn His gaze to you

and give you peace.