Animals receive blessings today
Today is St. Francis of Assisi Day and congregations around the country are blessing their pets in fun-filled family-oriented ceremonies.
A blessing of the animals service on Oct. 4 recognizes the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, who wrote a Canticle of Creatures, an ode to God’s living things, according to the National Council of Churches.
“A blessing of the animals service reminds us of the values St. Francis held,” Jordan Blevins, the council’s assistant director of the Eco-Justice Programs, said in a prepared statement.
“In the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark, it is clear that God provided for the blessing of animals in the same way that God did people. There are threats to God’s creation present in our world today, particularly regarding the well-being of endangered species.”
Many Oklahomans are planning to take the family pet for a blessing today, Sunday or in the coming days. A local clergyman offers this advice:
– Make sure your pet is on a leash or in a cage.
– Be sure to bring your camera to take lots of pictures.
– Take a pooper scooper … just in case.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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