FROM FATHER DAVID
Where did the tradition of blessing animals — specifically, our pets — come from? Nearly a thousand years have passed since St. Francis was alive and gained a reputation for loving animals and all of creation. It turns out that this contemporary tradition, “The Blessing of the Animals,” is rooted in historical fact. As we love to say: “Ancient worship. Open minds.” We observe the Feast of St. Francis on October 4 (or a date close to it) in keeping with that spirit.
Forward Movement Publications tells us that “One of the boldest and most spirited figures in history, it is a shame that Francis is sometimes dismissed as simply a quiet bird-watcher. Actually he was an outspoken and controversial social activist. He was one of the greatest preachers of all time. His concern with poverty and ecology give him a strikingly modern quality. Although he was a wealthy cloth merchant's son, he gave all he had to help the poor and was contented with only the barest necessities for himself. He vigorously opposed the abuse of political power, particularly when it was wielded by the Bishop of Rome. Francis was effective in initiating sweeping social and economic reforms. He was a popular singer, often called "God's Troubadour." His most famous hymn, "Canticle to Brother Sun" (#406 in The Hymnal 1982), has stood the test of time. Francis founded one of the strongest and most dynamic religious orders in Christendom. Today we find Franciscan Friars in both the Roman and Anglican communions.”
To read more about Francis of Assisi, visit one or more of the following links:
To read about Francis, animals, and creation, click here:
Examples of prayers for animals:
Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends the animals, your creatures.
We pray especially for all that are suffering in any way:
for the overworked and underfed,
the hunted, lost, or hungry;
for all in captivity or ill-treated,
and for those that must be put to death.
For those who deal with them,
we ask a gentle heart of compassion,
gentle hands, and kindly words.
Make us all true friends to animals
and worthy followers of our merciful Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies,
the earth and the sea.
They share in the fortunes of human existence
and have a part in human life.
God, who confers gifts on all living things,
has often used the service of animals
or made them reminders of salvation ...
We, therefore, invoke God's blessing on these animals.
As we do so, let us praise the Creator
and thank God for setting us as stewards
over all the creatures of the earth.
