Blessing of the Pets

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Blessing of the Pets 

Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things and giver of all life, let your blessing be upon all these animals. May our relationships with them mirror your love, and our care for them be an example of your bountiful mercy. Grant the animals health and peace. Strengthen us to love and care for them as we strive to imitate the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and God’s servant Francis. 

Amen.

Each year, Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Francis on October 4. St. Francis’ devotion to God was shown through his love for all of God’s creation.  He cared for the poor and sick, preached sermons to animals and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God.  Francis chose to live a simple life in the midst of God’s creation in order to be more like Christ. 

The students at the Elementary Campus honored St. Francis in a special way by offering a prayer service and “blessing of the pets.”  Monseigneur Ed Hankiewicz presided.  Msgr. reminded the students, staff, and families present that while the blessing certainly reached the pets present, the blessing also extends to those pets and animals throughout the ASA community.