The Memorial Garden was host to an unusual gathering last Saturday. Our usual, two-legged parishioners were joined by some of the four-legged variety.
The Blessing of the Animals is a beloved tradition held every year in early October to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis was a monk who lived in Italy from 1181-1226. He was know for his holiness, simplicity, care for the poor, and love of nature. He founded that Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscan Order. He is regarded as the patron saint of the poor, animals, and ecology.
In honor of Francis’ love of nature, we observe his day by bringing in our non-human companions for a special service. We give thanks to God for the goodness of the natural world, honor our pets as fellow members of God’s creation, and asks God’s blessing upon them for the coming year. It is a joy every October when we gather to lift our voices (and barks and meows) in praise to God to thanks him for the world he has given us.
