On a cool, sunny, beautiful, autumn morning (Saturday, Oct. 3rd), St. Anselm Parish held its much-loved Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The gathering gave St. Anselm parishioners and others from around the neighborhood the opportunity to join together in “Celebrating the Spirit of St. Francis – the Patron of Animals” while also celebrating and asking God’s blessing on their four footed furry companions.
At the conclusion of the regular Saturday morning 11AM Mass, Monsignor Maloney emerged from the church to stand at the top of the church steps and deliver a brief blessing upon the assembled congregation – 2 footed and otherwise.
“O, God the author and giver of every gift, animals also are part of the way you provide help for our needs and labors. We pray through the intercession of St. Francis that you will make available for our use the things we need to maintain a decent human life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”
Monsignor then asked the people to come forward, one by one. Asking the pet’s name, he then gave an individual blessing to each animal.
Thank you, Msgr. Maloney, for conducting the blessing service and for encouraging this wonderful annual St. Anselm event.
All the Best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee