The sun shone, the people gathered and many a furry friend was blessed.
To celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, two and four legged creatures gathered in the ground of The Holy Rosary Church at 3pm on Sunday October 4th. Fr. Gerard Young, wearing the most colourful liturgical vestments, led us in prayer and thanksgiving for our animal companions.
Andrew Byrne, a local vet and parishioner, reminded us how we might learn from the unconditional love our animals give us and for us to treasure that in them.
The singing was led by Josephine Dowd and many of the two legged congregation joined in.
St. Francis is especially loved for his tender care for animals and the natural world. He saw every creature as part of God’s good creation and treated animals with gentleness and respect. One well known story tells how he preached to a flock of birds, inviting them to praise their Creator. The birds gathered around him and listened quietly. Another story says that, when chattering swallows interrupted his preaching, he gently told them, “My sisters the swallows, it is now my turn to speak.”
The example of St. Francis, and the teaching of the Church, remind us that every creature gives glory to God in its own way. We give thanks for the many blessings our pets bring us, and we ask for the grace to care for them responsibly and lovingly.
Let us pray these opening words from the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis:
Most High, all powerful, all good Lord, all praise is yours, all glory, all honour, and all blessing.
St Francis, patron of animals and care for creation, pray for us.
Thank you to all who made this occasion a very special gathering. Check out some of the stars below and in the Gallery.
