On Sunday, October 16, you’re invited to bring your pets to church! Whether they’re cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, or guinea pigs (or anything else), bring them for a blessing and for the sheer joy of worshipping God with all creation. This custom developed in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4, understood all creatures to be our brothers and sisters.
There are many stories told about Francis’ interactions with animals, including the time he preached to a flock of birds in a meadow, how he talked to a wolf that was terrorizing the town of Gubbio and created peace between it and the people, and how he was the first person to stage nativity plays at Christmastime (using real barnyard animals of course).
One of Francis’ most famous writings, Canticle of the Sun, is a song praising God for all of creation. The words are poetic and the imagery is striking – speaking of Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Brother Fire, and Sister Earth our Mother. Read more about the Canticle of the Sun here and about St. Francis himself here.
And then bring your animals (real and stuffed!) to church on October 16th to be blessed – and to be a blessing to us all as we gather in the fullness of God’s creation.
Yours in God’s peace, Kristin+
