BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
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Sunday, October 8, 2023, 1:15 PM
Francis of Assisi was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, but early in his life he denounced his wealth and joined the church taking on the vow of poverty. Under his leadership the Order of the Franciscans came into being, and they took Jesus’ words to his disciples that they should take nothing on their journey and receive no payment for their work. Their task in preaching was to “use words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gladness and gratitude for all of God’s creation. This commemoration has been a traditional time of the year to bless pets and animals, creatures that Francis called his brothers and sisters.
Also please don’t forget all the wild animals on our planet who especially need our prayers and protection.
The Blessing of the Animals is a long-standing tradition at St. Christopher which is looked forward to by both children and adults alike each year. We listen and talk about God's unconditional love for us at church each Sunday and we see examples of unconditional love in many of our animal companions at home the rest of the week. This event is an opportunity to acknowledge our animal companion's love.