“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.”
St. Francis was the founder of the Franciscan Order, born at Assisi in Umbria, in 1182 and died there on October 3, 1226. St. Francis loved all animals and regarded them as a special gift God granted to man. He believed every creature is important and that the love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, draws us more deeply into the larger circle of life, and into the wonder of our relationship to our Creator.
Therefore, the blessing of the animals has become a Christian custom conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Below are some photos of the blesssing bestowed on our pets by Father Joe.
