Joel's Jottings: "Blessing of the Animals"

Presbyterians do not maintain a calendar of “saints” days, as our theology emphasizes that any follower of Jesus is a saint. However, we remain aware of how many of our Christian siblings reference important figures of the faith.

São Paulo Zoo, Brazil (Wikimedia Commons/Mike Peel, www.mikepeel.net)

One such person is Francis of Assisi. He is known for his simple lifestyle and his emphasis on how creation reflects God’s grace and wonder. He is attributed as the author of “The Prayer of St. Francis” and the hymn, All Creatures of Our God and King. Modern scholarship questions these attributions, but the point of recognizing the creative power of God remains as a legacy we can celebrate.

October 4 is known as St. Francis Day. Because Francis was known for his love of creation and animals, many Christian communities have a “Blessing of the Animals” service on or near that date.

It has been several years since we have had such a service at Fondren—COVID and all of that. So this year on Sunday, October 9, at 4 p.m., we will host this service on the front lawn of the church.

Please bring your pet or animal. If you are uncertain of how your animal might handle this public situation, bring a photo or other memento of your animal friend.

A number of years ago, the BBC television show The Vicar of Dibley did an episode about an animal blessing service. This link gives a flavor of the episode. It turned out to be a grand occasion for the small English village church. Similarly, this will be a fun time for the Fondren Presbyterian Church.

Invite friends, neighbors, and families to come and share in the event on Sunday, October 9, at 4 p.m., on the front lawn of the church.