St. Peter’s held a ‘Blessing of the Animals’ in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, on Sunday, 3 October. The feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals is 4 October.
Why do we bless animals on or around the feast day of St. Francis?
St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy Italian family in the 12th century. Upon his dramatic conversion to true Christianity, he renounced all of his worldly possessions and lived very simply. When Francis spoke, everyone listened, including the animals. He told the animals that Jesus loved them too. A story is told of a wolf who lived outside the town of Gubbio. The wolf came into the town each evening, frightening the inhabitants and eating their sheep. Francis went to speak to “Brother Wolf” and found that the wolf was hungry. Francis pleaded with the townsfolk to feed the wolf, who then became so tame that the children rode on his back. Early legends speak of birds and beasts being charmed by Francis’ gentle ways and entering into loving companionship with him. Francis also brought us the Christmas creche. In Gubbio, he built a small outdoor stable and asked townsfolk to portray the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the angels. Then he added the cow, donkey, sheep, and other animals. When asked why he had done so, Francis replied, “Surely the animals praised the new Messiah just as the shepherds and angels did.” And so, in honor of this blessed saint of the church, we gather today with our animals to give thanks for what they do for us and what they mean to us.
Collect for the feast of St. Francis
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
