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An Order for the Blessing of Animals
(from Benedicite, omnia opera Domini)
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord: Grant unto thy people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of thee delight in thy whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Collect of the Day
for Francis of Assisi, Lesser Feasts and Fasts)
Reading A Bidding Not only do the animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea, they share in the fortunes of the human race and play important roles in everyday life. Animals also appear throughout the Bible as participants in the story of salvation and as reminders of God’s love for us and for all of creation. In the story of creation, it took two days for God to create all of the animals and, when God destroyed the world by flood, he took special care to save the animals along with Noah and his family on the Ark. The paschal lamb is the sign of the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt and also the type of Jesus Christ himself who saves all humankind from bondage to sin. A whale saved Jonah from drowning; ravens brought bread to Elijah; and a humble donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem as a sign of his kingship over the whole world. Throughout history, as a sign of the fact that animals share in Christ's redemption of all of God's creation, animals have been the friends of God’s people. St. Francis of Assisi even preached to the birds and tamed a wolf that had been terrorizing the people of Gubbio. Therefore we pray for all animals and, invoking the intercession of St. Francis, we ask God’s blessing on these animals which are our companions. As we do, let us praise our Creator and pray for the grace to honor and care for the world which he has given into our care.
(Adapted
from
The Roman Ritual - The Book of Blessings) The Prayers of the People For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord. For grateful hearts and gentle hands and for a spirit of respect and wonder for the animals entrusted to our care, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For God’s blessing on the animals who give us their loyal companionship and continually remind us of God’s unconditional love for us and all creation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, eternal King, for making every creature that liveth in earth and sea and sky. Blessed art thou for thy servant Francis who called them all his brothers and sisters. By the power of thy love, enable every creature to live according to thy plan. May all thy works for ever praise thee, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer on AmericanCatholic.org)
[Name], I bless you in the Name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity who made us all. May you be healthy and live in harmony with all God's creatures. Amen.
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