Posted 336 days ago

October 4: St. Francis and the Blessing of Pets

from Kevin Mackin, “Blessing of Animals,” American Catholic.org, accessed here

photo from WikiCommons

Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes animals with a special prayer on St. Francis Day. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this:

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Look for a Pet Blessing ceremony in your area!

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