The Blessing of the Animals
in Remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's
Love For All Creatures
St. Francis was an example of someone who
through devotion gained a knowledge of God.
"His love for and power over the lower animals
were noted and often referred to by those who knew him:
his rebuke to the swallows while he was preaching at Aviano,
"My sisters the swallows, it is now my turn to speak.
You have been talking enough all this time";
the birds that perched around him
while he told them to praise their Creator;
the rabbit that would not leave him at Lake Rasimene;
and the tamed wolf at Gubbio".
-One Hundred Saints (a compilation of Rev. Alban Butler's
Lives of the Saints and honored works of art.)
 |
 |
| Some dogs dressed up for the occasion. | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Father Jim Doherty |
A happy parishoner |
 |
 |
There is a parrot receiving holy water in this cage! |
|
 |
 |
Some dogs howled with joy. |
|
 |
 |
And some dogs were just too cute! |
|
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. |
|