We celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th. St. Francis is a Saint who gave everything that he had to live a life for God. His simple, and generous nature is an example for us all of how to live our own lives and give to others. St. Francis loved the Earth and all creatures that God created, and because of this St. Francis is named the patron Saint of animals. To celebrate St. Francis of Assisi many Catholic Churches, including our parish has a Blessing of Animals around the time of St. Francis' feast day!
Our family has two wonderful dogs who are both 10 years old. They are both wonderful pets for our family and bring us a lot of joy! Our dog Parker has had a tough few years as he has gone blind in one eye and then was diagnosed with cancer this year. He had surgery to remove his tumor and we are monitoring him to make sure that he will hopefully remain cancer free. We were excited that we were able to bring our dog Parker to the Blessing of Animals this year to receive a special blessing. We pray that he has many more years with our family.
We also read some of our favorite books about St. Francis including St. Francis: The Good Man of Assisi, Saint Francis of Assisi by Demi, and Brother Sun, Sister Moon during our daily story times. Our kids were very excited to give our dogs special St. Francis medals to wear on their collars that say "St. Francis Protect My Pet"! We also just spent some special time with our dogs, taking them on a walk, giving them some new treats and giving them some extra special love!
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment