Blessing of the Animals (10/4/11)

Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, known as the Patron Saint of animals and the environment. Legends abound regarding the relationship between St. Francis and creation. From a story about birds gathering to hear him preach (he would have loved the Lab of Ornithology!); to the account of a wolf who, at St. Francis’ insistence, stopped attacking a village and lived peaceably with the people; to his faithful donkey’s tears upon his death, these stories make clear that St. Francis deeply cared for animals.

In “The Golden Legend,” a late medieval work about saints’ lives, Jacobus of Voragine writes this about Francis:

The saint would not handle lanterns and candles because he did not want to dim their brightness with his hands. He walked reverently on stones out of respect for him who was called Peter, which means stone. He lifted worms from the road for fear they might be trampled underfoot by passersby. Bees might perish in the cold of winter, so he had honey and fine wines set out for them. He called all animals brothers and sisters. When he looked at the sun, the moon, and the stars, he was filled with inexpressible joy by his love of the Creator and invited them all to love their Creator.

Many of us have or have had beloved pets and animal companions. A wagging tail, a purring cat, a gentle nuzzle – animals often bring great joy to our lives, and we hope to return that joy to them as well. We have a responsibility to care for them and for all the earth’s creatures.

At the same time, our relationship with the non-human animals of this planet is often complicated – from the many deer with whom we share land in Ithaca, to farm animals, to coyotes, to frightening encounters with some creatures. There are many reminders that we humans are not the only animals on this planet, and we are called to treat our fellow creatures with reverence and respect.

This weekend, I will travel with Diane Beckwith and several of our youth to Heifer Project’s Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA. We’ll experience what life is like for people around the world, and we’ll learn from Heifer’s example of working to create better relationships between human and non-human animals.

Join us tomorrow evening at 6:30pm for a service of blessing and to recommit ourselves to follow the example of St. Francis in caring for the earth and all her creatures. We’ll also remember our animal companions who have passed on. Bring your pets (in carriers or on leash) or pictures of your pets, or just come to join in blessing. Maybe the deer will wander by as well! Hope to see you there, and wishing you a lovely week.

Blessings,

Manda