““Praise be You, my Lord, With All Your Creatures.””
These words ring out in The Canticle of the Sun, a praise psalm (ELW 835) attributed to Francis of Assisi. Because of Francis’ delight in creation and all Gods’ creatures, his day of commemoration (Oct. 4th) typically marks the end of the annual Season of Creation. The synod’s EcoFaith Action Network invites congregations to celebrate this day with The Blessing of Animals.
The Blessing of Animals is a fun way to engage people of all ages and to have conversations about our responsibilities to all creatures who share Earth with us. Some people may bring their animals to church to be blessed, while others bring photos to avoid unnecessary stress on their pets. Through photos or stuffed toys, congregations may celebrate and bless all types of creatures beyond pets. An appropriate hymn for the blessing of animals is number 1064 in All Creation Sings, “Earth is Full of Wit and Wisdom,” which sings of roly polies, giraffes, geckos, monkeys, mice, and many other creatures!
Helpful Resources
Sundays and Seasons – If your congregation subscribes for worship planning, their online service includes liturgy and prayers for the blessing of animals.
Blessing of All the Animals: A Sermon by Rev. Dr. David Rhoads, LSTC Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Blessing of the Animals: We Worship with the Creatures We Love from the ecumenical Season of Creation
The Blessing of the Animals from The Episcopal Church
The Blessing of Farm Animals from the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology
For more information, or to talk with someone who has experience with The Blessing of Animals, email EcoFaithNWIM@gmail.com