Blessing of the Animals
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October 2, 2019
Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi
October 4thFrom 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the courtyard
Please have your pet in a carrier or on a leash for the safety of your pet.
This time of year, people in various places may notice something odd. A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets.This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. As the prayer is offered, the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water. Usually the Blessing of Pets is held outdoors.
I believe every creature is important. The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator.
