The Blessing of Animals!
What is a blessing? A blessing is a gift from God, and can also be a prayer that asks for God's care.
St. Francis feast day is October 4, and on this day, throughout the world, Christians everywhere celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi by blessing their pets. St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment, lover of the natural world, founded the Franciscan Order.
Blessings are held on this day and others days throughout the country. They are organized and held through Humane Societies, Catholic Churches and animal welfare organizations. Check your local organizations for a Blessing near you.
St. Francis of Assisi!
Saint Francis of Assisi (September 26, 1181 - October 3, 1226) was a Roman Catholic friar and the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscans.He is known as the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment, and it is customary for Catholic churches to hold ceremonies honoring animals around his feast day of October 4.
Read more about St. Francis of Assisi!
My first Blessing!
Yep, that's me on the 'Old Brickyard'!My first Blessing was when I was just 9 months old. It was held as part of the Indianapolis Humane Society's big fundraiser - The Mutt Strutt - at the Indy 500 track. Before we walked around the track to raise money through pledges, we were all blessed in a wonderful and moving ceremony!
It was a very fun day. And one I will always remember!
Wonderful Pet Blessing Links!
- Why we Bless the animals!
- This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. Read more from Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M. about Blessings of the Animals.
- Find a Blessing near you!
- A wonderful web listing of pet blessings courtesy of AmericanCatholic.org! Pet blessings are happening around the world on or near October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Be sure and add yours!
Blessings may be held in your local area other times of the year. Check with your local Humane Society or Catholic Church for a Blessing near you! - Send a Pet Blessing eGreeting!
- Compliments of CatholicGreetings.org!
Franciscan Animal Blessings!
For all animals...Blessed are you, Lord God,
maker of all living creatures.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
you called forth fish in the sea,
birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this animal.
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.
For a sick animal...
Heavenly Father,
you created all things for your glory
and made us stewards of this creature.
If it is your will, restore it to health and strength.
Blessed are you, Lord God,
and holy is your name for ever and ever.
Amen.
Celebrating animals with a pet blessing!
Great Blessing books!
Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets and Other Creatures
This compendium of stories, prayers, ceremonies, and engaging tidbits is a blessing not only for the animals of the world, but for all animal lovers too.
Blessing the Animals: Prayers and Ceremonies to Celebrate God's Creatures Wild and Tame
Take a spiritual journey through this beautiful collection of blessings, prayers and meditations about the creatures, wild and tame, that inhabit our world.
Animal Blessings: Prayers and Poems Celebrating Our Pets
Our pets; they are the unassuming animals who capture our hearts and imaginations. In this elegantly packaged collection, June Cotner gathers readings from sources such as Emily Dickinson, George Eliot, Rumi, Robert Frost, and many others, celebrating the animals who are our teachers, heroes, protectors, and dearest friends.
Blessings for Dogs
Loyal, steadfast, and affectionate, dogs are some of our best companions. We are privileged to share their sweet, joyful natures and to receive their unconditional love. Blessings for Dogs celebrates and pays tribute to this special canine love and care.
Blessings for Cats
Lovers of feline pets don't include "catastrophe" in their vocabulary. Instead, "Such a good cat" generally sums up life with their favorite furry friends. What better way to mark that special relationship than with Blessings for Cats, a witty kitty look at these four-footed wonders and what they mean to us.
Boston and the Feast of Saint Francis
A large and exuberant Rottweiler named Boston stars in this charming story that St. Francis himself would have enjoyed. Sam's parents are alarmed when Sam decides to take Boston to school for the blessing of the animals on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Will Boston behave? Will he upset the service? What will Father Dismas do when Boston takes over the presider's chair?
A Blessing of the Animals!
Blessing of the Animals | Long Beach, Calif.
www.BlessThePets.com | Sat., Oct. 3, 2009 @ Noon at north end of Marine Stadium in Long Beach. Interfaith Blessing of the Animals is held each year in Long Beach, Calif. and hosted by Justin Rudd!, founder/director of Haute Dogs. It is one of the biggest interfaith pet blessings in the U.S.
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Animal Blessings in the News!
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Leave me some woofs!
Susi_Pittman wrote...
What a great lens! You've got a lot of very cool information and resources here. It'd be great if you'd stop by my lens and say hi when you get the chance.
Posted November 02, 2009
aj2008 wrote...
Hi Paw Johann! I love the phrase "Mutt Strutt"!! And here is a different Blessing for you from a SquidAngel who is thankful for dogs and pets.
Posted October 05, 2009
AppalachianCountry wrote...
Great lens. We love our animals. Thank-you for sharing about the Blessing.
Posted May 28, 2009
Shelly wrote
I love the blessing for a sick animal and wonder why I havn't heard about it before. This is sweet, sweet, sweet!
Posted January 16, 2009
RinchenChodron wrote...
I enjoyed this lens. For those who love their pets they should be prepared for emergencies. Our pets really are IMPORTANT members of our families, so go ahead and bless em.
Posted October 02, 2008
by JohannTheDog
Hi, I'm Johann, nice to meet you!I'm an agility dog, herder, marrow bone lover, green dog, blogger, charity hound and Chief Dog at JohannTheDog.com... (more)
