Blessing of the Animals

Opening words:

In the Roman Catholic tradition, Oct. 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and is called World Day for Animals. It was inaugurated by the World League for Protection of Animals in 1928 to commemorate the great love and humane work of St. Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226. This day is recognized universally by Animal Societies all over the world.

St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. He was known for his vow of poverty and his special connection to animals, among many other things. Unitarian Universalists have celebrated the tradition of blessing animals, particularly pets, on this day. Some congregations celebrate this service out of doors and people bring their pets to the service, others bring photographs of their pets; others have their pets blessed by naming them.

St. Francis may receive little attention at this service, but usually his prayer is used. In the spirit of World Animal Day in Puerto Rico we will bless pets and even stuffed animals at the service.

Unitarian Universalists recognize today the cruelty and the selfish disregard of the sufferings of the creatures with whom we share our earthly home. When we are spiritually awakened and our vision extends beyond ourselves and our own kind, this disregard will end. We must recognize that Nature ministers to all living creatures, that people have a duty to Nature, and that Nature is largely dependent on us in expressing our caring, ministering power. Our moral principles remind us of the interdependent web of all life. It is fitting that Anthony of Assisi has recently become a Patron of the environment and Ecology as well. We invite all those who cherish our mother earth to meet together to pray for their own Animals as well as all the Creatures who are dependent upon a human's care. As we express our own gratitude for the gift of diversity of life, we will strive that the Animal World ceases to fear us; the time will come when :

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain." (Isaiah 11: 6.)

All the present please make this simple joint promise: "I will always be kind to animals."

All: I will always be kind to animals

Lighting the Chalice:

We light this chalice and Passing on our burning candle:

A light and a smile

Lead the path

From loneliness to togetherness

From solitude to community for us and all our earthly companions


Ritual of the Blessing of the Animals: Responsive Blessing by Christine Robinson
Minister: Surrounded by the animals we love, we remember with gratitude the pets, protectors, and animal companions who have blessed our lives.
People: We give thanks for our childhood pets, who taught us to love and to cry. We give thanks for our children's pets, who help us to teach them responsibility and relationship, and we give thanks for the pets who brighten our days and comfort our nights.

Minister: Surrounded by beloved pets, we remember that many animals suffer.

People: We remember that some animals are hunted or deserted or tortured or hungry. We remember that nature can be cruel and that people can be mean. We remember and want to help.

Minister: Surrounded by the animals we love, we know that many animals contribute to our lives.

People: We give thanks for all those animals who help us: worker animals who guard us and find our lost and guide the blind, the animals who provide us food and clothing, who tote our burdens and entertain us with their antics, and for animals who give their lives to help us learn.

Minister: Spirit of life, help us to remember that we live and work and love among the animals. Help us to be their friends, to love them and care for them and protect them from harm, to thank them when we use their lives for ours. Especially this morning, spirit of life, bless these animals who are the companions of our lives. Hear our outpouring of love and gratitude for them and help us translate that into love and gratitude for all your creatures.

All: We bless these animals we love. We pledge to care for them tenderly and faithfully, and to remember that we are not alone on the earth.

Hymn:  All Things Bright and Beautiful (click title to hear music)

Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
Who made their glowing colors,
and made their tiny wings?



Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful:
How we enjoy them all.


The purple-headed mountains,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning
that brightens up the sky.

(Refrain)

The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden:
Who made them every one?

(Refrain)
Prayer: (Followed by a moment of silent meditation)

Great Spirit of life on all sides we see manifestations of a glorious creative power. We ask for a special blessing this day upon all animals and creatures with whom we share this earth, including these our friends brought here with loving hands and thankful hearts in this special day. Help us to show them the same care that we would wish for ourselves. We honor and believe in the interdependent web of life. We realize that we represent one vast family of interrelated species. That we have evolved from protiens and single cells. Bless these our special friends with health and happiness, and grant that we may always remember to be grateful for the gift of their companionship. Help us to show our gratitude by treating them ever with gentleness and understanding. With faith we ask all these things ..