October 4th is always St. Francis of Assisi Day. Accordingly around that date there are many parishes that celebrate with the Blessing of Animals.
OPENING PRAYER FOR KINDNESS TO ANIMALS
Loving Father, we praise you and thank you for making animals as part of your wonderful creation.
Help us and all people to be kind to animals.
Touch the hearts of all with your love and increase our respect for all your creation.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom you made all things for your glory.
Amen
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Blessed are you, Lord God, ruler of the universe: we praise you
for the wonderful works you have made.
Have mercy on your beloved people, and keep us blameless in your love.
Bless + these animals, and help us to use them in your service.
Father,we ask your blessing in the name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen!
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JOB
“Ask the animals, and they will teach you;
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In God’s hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of every human being.”
If your parish has had a Pet Blessing Day send the photos along and we will share them with everyone!
