The Blessing of Animals

The Blessing of Animals service is held in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. It takes place in early October at Franciscan parishes, to celebrate the feast day of Francis. People bring their animal companions to the church steps on that day for a special service and blessing. When we were in Twisp this weekend, Amanda, John and I took Roger over for the ceremony on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Of course, there were many excited dogs "meeting and greeting," but everyone was on their best behavior.
Father Gustavo learned all about iguanas from a proud young owner.
And this fine duck seemed more interested in my camera than the service.
The pets and owners are welcomed with a special blessing and prayer:

We give thanks to you, O God, for animals that live in our homes, on farms, in the wild, and in havens of refuge. Make us ever aware of our responsibility to your creatures, which in so many ways bless us, and make is closer to you. Help us to be faithful in our caring for them.

After the prayer and my favorite hymn (All Creatures of our God and King) the pets were sprinkled one and all with holy water.

Which they accepted with dignity and poise. It was exactly a week ago that afternoon that Sizzle left me, and I couldn't stop my tears looking at this beautiful horse and owner.

After this final prayer:

We remember before you in the silent and deep place of our hearts those animals that have died, and have been dear to us.

Then Father Gus welcomed us to say out loud the names of the dear pets we had lost.

"Sizzle"