Blessing of the animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi

October 7, 3:09 PMBirmingham Dog Care ExaminerApril Mitchem

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St. Francis at prayer by Esteban Pérez, Bartolomé

Animal lovers, whether believers or not or just simply indifferent, are encouraged to visit local ceremonies this month in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals (along with the environment and Italy). 

Francis, the founder of the Franciscan monks, was known for his great love of animals and his wish for animals to live without fear.  Stories are told of the saint's pact between wolf and townsfolk, that the wolf would not bother the people as he had in the past if the townsfolk agreed to feed him.  The fable is to illustrate poverty and charity and how the two go hand in hand but also Francis's great love for animals and his wish that they all live peacefully.

To honor St. Francis, many churches will perform the Blessing of the Animals ceremony sometime this month, around Francis's feast day of Oct 4.  His blessing is for "a life without fear" and many churches will allow well-behaved pets to attend.  All animals should be so blessed, to live a beautiful life without fear.

In Birmingham, the Unity of Birmingham church is hosting an Animal Blessing ceremony in the Unity Garden on Saturday, Oct 10, 2-4:30 pm.  For more information, call 251-3713.