Loading...Source: Site Page, St. Luke, Hot Springs (//organizations/stlukehotsprings/blessing-of-the-animals.html). GUID: page-3191490. No publication date.
Key points
- Often honors the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (b.1181-d.1226), patron saint of animals, officially October 4, in early October.
- Usually held on church grounds and parking lots with parishioners' and community members' pets.
- Francis (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone) was a soldier and prisoner of war who, once freed, felt called to a life of poverty in service to the church.
- The Francis-linked tradition dates to the 13th century, when he allegedly preached to a flock of birds on a walk.
- His teachings on harmony with the natural ecosystem are invoked today for environmental stewardship and better treatment of animals.
- Other religions and saints have their own animal-blessing traditions.
- Described as a popular way to attract new people amid declining attendance, especially after COVID.
- Francis statues often appear in formal gardens, by flower beds and fountains.
