Every year, we honor the memory and mission of St. Francis of Assisi by blessing our animal companions in a special ceremony held in the church yard. We have blessed cats,dogs, caged birds, rabbits, hamsters and fish at church. Horses, goats, cows, sheep and other large animals are blessed at their own farms and stables during the week.
St Francis is the patron saint of animals. He advocated treating animals humanely and with love. He founded the Orders of the Franciscian Friars and the Poor Claires in the 1200's
He also wrote some beautiful prayers (including the haunting words to All Creatures of Our God and King, Hymn #400) and the Anglican Rosary is attributed to him.
Kathleen Somerville's dog, Bozo,
is blessed by Father Bellais
October 4, 2006
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
He also is credited with writing this beautiful praise song of nature:
The Canticle of the Creatures
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they belong; no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name. We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures, especially for Brother Sun, who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, of You Most High, he bears your likeness. We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair. We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air, fair and stormy, all weather's moods, by which You cherish all that You have made. We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure. We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire, through whom You light the night. He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong. We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth, who sustains us with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs. We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon, for love of You bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, by You Most High, they will be crowned. We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in their sins! Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will. No second death can do them harm. We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks, and serve You in all humility. - St. Francis of Assisi
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