On a warm October day, that felt more like summer than autumn, dozens of friendly, tail wagging dogs and two aristocratic felines came to St. Anselm at the conclusion of the Saturday, October 4th,11am Mass for the annual Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Oh yes, the furry friends were gracious enough to invite their human companions along as well.
Sprinkling both the pets and their owners with holy water, Fr. Ray read the words of blessing, reminding us of the role that animals have in our lives as work-helpers and companions. Then, members of the “congregation” (four footed and otherwise) came forward to the church steps for an individual blessing.
Thank you, Fr. Ray for conducting the beautiful blessing service, reminding us, as Saint Francis did, that we are all connected in God’s creation.
God of all creation,
we ask you to bless our animal friends,
that they may have a long and joyful life.
Protect them from sickness and harm,
and heal their wounds.
And bless us, their human-companions, with your Holy Spirit
that we may care for them.
We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus,
who is Lord of all, for ever and ever. Amen.
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee