Today's the day! Take a little time out during half time during the 49ers game and bring your pet to Our Lady of Mount Carmel to be blessed on this very special day, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology!
Our Lady of Mount Carmel's annual Blessing of the Animals will take place today, Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 4:00pm in the church parking lot. Many Catholic churches around the world traditionally celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with an invitation for their local community members to bring their pets for a communal blessing. Fr. Pat, our pastor, notes that, “Francis saw God’s hand in every aspect of Creation. In blessing our pets – those creatures of Divine Ingenuity – we give thanks for the blessings they are in our lives.” St. Francis is said to have preached to and blessed attentive birds, tamed a wolf, and freed animals from traps. In this event, we celebrate the many ways in which God’s care reaches beyond the human to encompass all of Creation.
One parish friend remarked that, for animal lovers, “this blessing is a sight to see.” In addition to dogs and cats, past attendees have included fish, birds, guinea pigs, lizards and turtles; in the case of animals unable to travel or socialize, owners have brought pictures to share.
Please note that you do not have to have a pet to
attend. All dogs must be on a leash; we
recommend crating cats.
Praised be you, my
Lord, with all your Creatures. – St.
Francis of Assisi
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