Have you ever thought of a church with thousands of animals and birds??!! We, the Catholics have a tradition and legacy to bless our pets. But, for this dedication, a particular day is an extremely interesting matter.
On 4 October, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi by holding the Blessing of the Animals. This ceremony generally takes place outdoors in the church’s parking lot where parishioners and visitors have gathered, accompanied by their dogs, cats, and other pets. Its purpose? To give a special blessing to each individual animal similar to the following:
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.
This Tradition is Very OldÂ
The custom and tradition date back to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. That means 800 years of legacy.
Saint Francis first blessed animals early in his ministry sometime between 1210–1215. The story goes like this: Francis was wandering around outdoors one warm afternoon. He was in a dilemma when he noticed a flock of birds in his path. He immediately felt the need to first 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.
Franciscan Legacy Today
Francis died in Assisi on October 4, 1226, at the age of 44. Pope Gregory IX canonized him as a saint less than two years later. He was later designated as the patron saint of animals due to his great love for them during his lifetime.
His little band of followers long since grew and evolved into the Order of St. Francis, a/k/a the Franciscans, whose monks, friars, and priests minister to the poor around the world. When elected to the papacy, the current Pope took the name of Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Animal Blessings in 2022
Pets from across Louisville visited Saint Francis of Assisi on Sunday for a special blessing. People were invited to bring their pets to Saint Francis of Assisi Church on Bardstown Road for a mass just for animals on 2 October, Sunday. There were dogs, cats and even a chicken at the church on Sunday to attend the Mass.
“I’ve blessed a big horse — now not in the church mind you on that one — but yes I’ve blessed a horse,” St. Francis of Assisi Priest Jonathan Erdman said. “I’ve actually blessed donkeys, farm animals. I mean, wherever I’m asked, we go.”
Let’s follow the love towards nature by Saint Francis of Assisi.