Next Saturday, October 1st, following the 4:15 PM Mass, a blessing of animals will take place in the square outside the church, around the Saint Matthew statue.
This blessing has been a practice here and is being re-established in honor of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi – whose feast is October 4th.
Pope Francis has called us to see the care for creation as an essential part of being a human being – the realization that you and I are part of the creation of God, along with the land and sea, the fish and wild life, the flora and fauna, etc.
Francis challenges all people to set as a priority the care for and treasuring of creation. He calls us to take seriously the devastating climate change that now places the existence of all in jeopardy.
Household animals are an expression of the creative love of God. We take them into our home and in so doing we commit to their care. The number of assisted living and hospice residences in which I find cats and dogs present impresses me. These “household” animals are a source of comfort and help reduce the anxiety of residents.
In honor of Saint Francis, I invite all to bring their family pets to the animal blessing following the 4:15 PM Mass on Saturday, October 1st at 5:30 PM in front of the church.
Father Steve Adrian
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