Feast of St. Francis – The gentle saint

A little wooden statue I found at a local flower shop a few years ago, so we could have it for this feast day!

 

St. Francis of Assisi!

Sam in a St. Francis costume.

If you are lucky, there will be a parish near you that has a blessing of the pets, go! Our beloved Deacon Terry blessed the animals every year when my kids were small. It was always a big hit with everyone and there were so many pets!

I remember the blessing Deacon Terry said had beautiful words about how God has given us the animals to bless our lives.

Noah holding our dog Sophie, while the good Deacon blesses her!

This year, since our church didn’t offer that, we’re going to do our own blessing with Holy Water from Church and this prayer from Catholic Online. 

Lord God King of heaven and earth, Thou the Word of the Father by whom all creatures were given us for our support: look down, we beseech Thee, on our lowliness. As Thou hast given us these animals to assist us in our labors and needs so mayest Thou in Thy great goodness and mercy bless them from above, guard and preserve them; and, while Thou givest Thy servants temporal benefits, mayest Thou grant us thy continual grace so that we may praise Thy holy name with thanksgiving. 


Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria

and bless our Kitty too!