Blessing of the Animals 2012

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Today is St. Francis (Patron Saint of Animals) Feast Day. I am very honored to share my birthday with such a wonderful person. Anyone who knows me knows that I love ALL animals. Some may call me the crazy dog lady -- a title I hold with honor. ;-) For all of those who can't attend a "Blessing of the Animals" service today, here's a prayer you can say to your beloved pets and animal friends.....

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

If you'd like to learn more about the "Blessing of the Animals" and/or St. Francis then please click here. That is where I got the prayer from.

Happy St. Francis Feast Day!!!!! :-)

A Great Time at the Blessing of the Animals Service

Alex and I took our pups to the Blessing of the Animals service at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 3rd. We had the most awesome time (as we do every year). Past years have been a bit chaotic getting all the pups in the vehicle, driving downtown for the service and trying to watch all 4 of them while they get so excited around all the other animals but it is so very worth it. Our fur babies love it! :-)

Our pups were on their best behavior this year. It helped that we got there early and let them run around first so they could get used to everything.

Father Trey was wonderful and lead a great service. All the animals waited patiently as he made his way around, blessing each and every one of them. I loved seeing all the other animals and the smiles on their and their pet parents faces.

Here are some pics of our fur babies getting blessed....

Momma holding D'Angelo and Patti in the stroller - getting petted before the blessing.

D'Angelo and Patti been blessed.

Daddy, Macy and Sadie. Macy being blessed while Sadie waits patiently.

Sadie being blessed. She is such a ham....she eats up the attention. :-)

Here are some pics of the event and other animals getting blessed.....

Sadie getting some love from a little girl. Both of them are too cute! :-)

Sadie working the room. She is very social.

The Blessing of the Animals

Photo Source: www.smallangelstucson.org

I grew up going to an Episcopal Church. A memorable event that I cherished was the Blessing of the Animals. I thought it was the coolest thing. My mom and I would pack up all of our animals (dog, kitties, birds, turtles, mice, etc.) and would take them to the church where they would be blessed. The service was outside on the church lawn when the weather was nice and inside when it was raining. I would watch with joy as each precious creature was blessed by the priest. 

For those who have not attended an Episcopal, Catholic or Anglican Church you might not be familiar with St. Francis or the Blessing of the Animals service. The wonderful thing is that you do not have to be of any particular faith to participate in the ceremonies. All are welcome to the churches to participate in having their beloved animals blessed. It is truly a non-denominational event that is focused on the love of the animals. 

Although I have not been an active member of the Episcopal Church for many years I still participate in the Blessing of the Animals which is performed each year on October 4th (my birthday - extra bonus :-) to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. It is a special birthday present to myself to spend that day focusing on what brings complete joy and pure love into my life - my beloved animals or as I usually call them "my precious fur babies." They are my gift. A gift of love. A gift that God gives me each and everyday that I am blessed to share my life with them.

There are many churches throughout the country that participate and celebrate the Blessing of the Animals. To find a list in your area then click here or do an online search for an Episcopal Church in your area and call them to see if they will have a Blessing of the Animals service and what date/time the service will be. If you live in the Greenville, SC area below are the churches in the area that will have the Blessing of the Animals service this year.

Christ Church Episcopal - service held on Oct. 4th @ 5:45 pm (in courtyard near fountain)
10 North Church Street
Greenville, SC 29601

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church - service held on Oct. 3rd @ 4:30 pm (in the courtyard)
1002 South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601

The Anglican Church of St. George the Martyr - service held on Oct. 2nd @ 9am
427 Batesville Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681

If you don't have a service in your area you can still say a St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals prayer(s) and blessing(s) over your beloved pets. Click here to see a few.

Here is a great video to show you what to expect at a Blessing of the Animals service. It is Pawsitively Funtastic! :-)