To celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of all animals and the environment, St. George’s Church, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Priest-in-Charge Reverend Steven Maki shared St. Francis’s love of all of God’s creatures on Saturday October 1.
He blessed all pets brought to the church’s outdoor service from local residents and parishioners. We enjoyed the company of dogs, cats, chickens, hedgehogs, and more.
In addition to prayers, each owner received a Blessing Certificate and a photo of their pet.
“I wanted them to be blessed to be protected,” said Rev. Maki “I know God protects them already, but this is a little extra. They are such a part of the family.”
Though it was Rev. Maki’s first time blessing the animals in Ste-Anne’s, it’s not his first time at the rodeo. Experience from Newfoundland and his love of animals has taught him well.
For those involved in blessing the animals for years, even the less common pets brought to blessings — snakes, gerbils, birds, chickens, goats and even stuffed animals toted in by children — serve as a reminder of God’s gifts to the earth. With that, many are reminded of how everything on earth is physically and spiritually interconnected.
When people learn about how connected animals are to the other parts of nature, it improves their spiritual lives and holistic health. The blessing provides a new access point to spiritually reach those who may not typically go to church.
