Blessing of the Animals “Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.” (Genesis 9:8-10). What is a Blessing of Animals Service? The service recognizes the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, who wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Christians everywhere celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4 by blessing their pets in the spirit of this patron saint of animals and ecology.  In the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark, it is clear that God provided for the blessing of animals in the same way that God did people. It is in that tradition that we pass God’s blessing onto other generations of animals, reminding ourselves that God is in covenant not just with us, but with all of Creation. Massachussets Churches Celebrate St. Francis Day! Churches in Georgia Celebrate St. Francis Day! Click here for pictures! Where does the tradition come from? Who is St. Francis? \What does the service look like? Worship Resources Prayers Sermon Starters Scripture Resources Logistical Fun More Information Biodiversity - Home Episcopal Diocese of Washington American Catholic Pet Chaplains biodiversity and faith, endangered species and faith biodiversity and