Blessing of the Animals October 3rd, 2015 5pm – 7pm
“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.”
Blessing of the Animals has been around for many years. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved all creatures! He wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat!
For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.
The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.
Chapel hill United Methodist Church will be having our service on October 4TH , 2015 starting at 5pm. We will be having a Free Hot Dog and Hamburger Dinner followed by a service in the Front Lawn of the church. All pets are welcome: dogs, cats, horses, snakes, lizards, spiders, hamsters, pigs and many more!
We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Smith: children@chapelhillumc.org
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