Let's face it: not all pets are as pious and prayerful as the pup in this picture! So that's why, each year, it's customary to bless animals around St. Francis Day. Why St. Francis?
Many of the stories that surround the life of St Francis deal with his love for animals. Perhaps the most famous incident that illustrates the Saint’s humility towards nature is recounted in the 'Fioretti' (The Little Flowers), a collection of legends and folk-lore that sprang up after the saint’s death. It is said that one day while Francis was traveling with some companions they happened upon a place in the road where birds filled the trees on either side. Francis told his companions to “wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds.” The birds surrounded him, drawn by the power of his voice, and not one of them flew away. Francis spoke to them: "My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you… for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore… always seek to praise God."
Another legend from the Fioretti tells us that in the city of Gubbio , where Francis lived for some time, there was a wolf “terrifying and ferocious, who devoured men as well as animals.” Francis had compassion upon the townsfolk, and went up into the hills to find the wolf. Soon fear of the animal had caused all his companions to flee, but the saint pressed on and when he found the wolf he made the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to come to him and hurt no one...Then Francis led the wolf into the town, and surrounded by startled citizens he made a pact between them and the wolf... In this manner Gubbio was freed from the menace of the predator...
These legends exemplify the Franciscan mode of charity and poverty as well as the saint's love of the natural world. Part of his appreciation of the environment is expressed in his Canticle of the Sun, a poem... which expresses a love and appreciation of Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Mother Earth, Brother Fire and all of God's creations personified in their fundamental forms. In "Canticle of the Creatures," he wrote: "All praise to you, O Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures." - Wikipedia
So, if your...
Image by Patricia Storms
needs a little holy help,
look for and participate in a
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
near you!
(In Concord - Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.
at The Emerson Umbrella)
Image by Patricia Storms
needs a little holy help,
look for and participate in a
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
near you!
(In Concord - Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.
at The Emerson Umbrella)
Looking for a song for the Blessing of the Animals? Check the side bar...
-ConcordPastor
I have been feeling a bit blue and overwhelmed by e-talk from human animals, so this post and Rex Harrison's "Talk With the Animals" was a lovely respite. Thank you. Through the years I have gone to a number of blessing of the pet events in connection with the Feast of St. Francis. They are always such fun. I had not gone in a couple of years since my dog Lucy had died. But last year I borrowed a long haired dachshund, Lily, to bring to Concord's celebration. Lily now has a new home away from Concord, so not sure about this year. At any rate I recommend for those who have never participated!
ReplyDeleteConcord Pastor, Are you bringing your precious pooch to the Blessing of the Animals? I always enjoy the event and my furry friends love it, too. Thanks for the reminder - I'll put it on my dog's social calendar.
ReplyDeleteI do not have, need or want a pooch - but I'm very pleased to bless the pets of others!
ReplyDeleteThe Book of Blessings has a blessing for animals. But I never quite liked it because it seemed to treat pets as a kind of "resource" like livestock, and not as family companions as my pets have been.
ReplyDeleteSo I wrote this blessing for pets.
Did you have a pooch when you were growing up?
ReplyDeleteDiana: Thank you! I think I'll use your prayer at our Blessing on Sunday afternoon.
ReplyDelete