FOR CENTURIES, CHRISTIAN FARMERS have sought blessings for their livestock, praying for their animals’ health and productivity.
St. Francis of Assisi saw all of creation — from the tiniest insect to the moon in the night sky — as a reflection of God’s goodness and care. In The Canticle of the Creatures, his famous poem praising God’s creation, St. Francis wrote:
“Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day through whom you bring us light.”
Known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated each year on Oct. 4. The annual Blessing of the Animals typically takes place on or around his feast day.
Each year, the Diocese of Orange invites the faithful to bring their pets — whether furry, scaly or feathered — to parish campuses for a special blessing.
Enjoy these photos from Sts. Simon & Jude School and St. Hedwig Parish.
STS. SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL IN HUNTINGTON BEACH CELEBRATED ITS BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ON OCT. 3. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ST. HEDWIG PARISH IN LOS ALAMITOS CELEBRATED ITS BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ON OCT. 4. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE