Did you know that this is the week in which spiritual centers around the nation honor the memory of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment? St. Francis believed that all God’s creations reveal something about the nature of God and God’s love. Saint Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX, he was the founder of the Catholic Franciscan Order and today “The Blessing of the Animals” celebrations reach across the nation, but not just Catholics celebrate the event. We took Kylie to a Methodist church here in Denver yesterday to be blessed along with dozens of other dogs, and cats, and at least one mouse, and even one horse! We were all led in a lovely prayer before the blessings were administered:
Gracious God, Thank you for blessing our lives with animals.
Tender of heart and pure in soul,
they touch us in so many ways.
Commitment, unconditional love, faith and forgiveness,
inherent traits never questioned nor compromised,
yet shared and bequeathed freely
upon any and all who offer them the same.
It is with animals that we are taught tolerance and diversity,
for their uniqueness serves to brighten our existence.
They are an incomparable gift from God,
one that we open and rediscover daily,
showing us how to make the world a little better,
and our society a bit more humane.
God, thank you for blessing our lives with animals.
For it is within these divine creatures that we rediscover
the true meanings of your teachings and infinite wisdom. Amen.
It was a lovely, tho not totally peaceful ceremony, with lots of barking meowing and some whinnying.
Throughout this week and next weekend there are all types of services available for all types of denominations. We are actually going to take Kylie again next Saturday to a Native American version of the ceremony -just to cover her bases! You can check local events calendars in your community to find the time and location of services near you.
