LITURGY CORNER

Blessing of Animals - Sunday, October 6, 2024

Do you ever wonder why the blessing of animals is done in October? And where did the concept of blessing pets come from? On the first week in October, thousands of Christian churches — Catholic and Protestant, alike — around the world, will celebrate the feast day (October 4) of Saint Francis of Assisi by holding special Blessing of the Animals services.

The blessing of animals dates back to over 800 years ago. St. Francis was a monk who was known for his love of animals and nature and for founding the order of Franciscans. The blessing of animals, or pets, has its origins in both Judaism and Catholicism. The blessing of animals in Judaism is often performed on the seventh day of Passover, which celebrates the emancipation of the Hebrews and their animals from slavery in Egypt. The ceremony is meant to remind people to care for their pets as companions, not slaves. Saint Francis first blessed animals early in his ministry sometime between 1210–1215. The story states that he was wandering around outdoors one warm afternoon, full of self-doubt, when he noticed a flock of birds in his path. He immediately felt the need to talk to them as though they were his equals and then preach to them about God’s glories and the reasons why men and animals should be grateful for these blessings. One might say that this was also the beginning of the environmental movement since Francis recognized that human beings are intrinsically connected to all of creation. Some say that the blessing can help people improve their spiritual lives and holistic health by connecting them to nature.

A few years later in 1223, Saint Francis was responsible for the first outdoor Christmas Nativity scene featuring live animals. He took a borrowed donkey, a wax statue of the Baby Jesus, a trough of straw, and volunteer humans to portray Mary and Joseph into a cave. There he created a living, breathing Nativity scene that all the locals could easily understand without being able to read the Christmas story in the Bible.

In Catholicism, the blessing of animals is a way to honor the spirit of St. Francis and to remember his love for all creatures.

The services may include a verbal blessing held at a place where different animals can gather. For some, they are unable to bring their animals to the actual blessing event, so they will bring a photo of their loved pet.

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 Saint 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.

OUR ANIMAL BLESSING WILL TAKE PLACE ON: Sunday, October 6, at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of Humility and at 1:00 PM at St. Patrick’s. We hope you and your pets can join us.