Lions, and tigers, and bears… no, not really. Rather our four-footed, furry friends – cats and dogs, gathered with their human companions for the annual Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis on Saturday, October 5th. It was downright cold, but the atmosphere was warm as Fr. Fred Cintron came to the main doors of the church, following the 11 am Mass for a much beloved St. Anselm tradition.
After a general blessing and a generous sprinkling of holy water, Fr. Fred reminded all those present of the importance of animals as work-helpers and companions in our lives. Then, each member of the “congregation” four-footed and otherwise came forward for an individual blessing by Fr. Cintron with a relic of St. Francis.
Thank you, Fr. Fred for conducting the beautiful blessing service and Msgr. Maloney for encouraging this annual St. Anselm event… and St. Francis for reminding us that we are all connected in God’s creation.
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voices and with us sing,
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness
O praise Him! Alleluia!
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee