Reminder: St. Francis' Feast Day Coming up - Pet Blessings

Picture source

October 4th is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Traditionally, this is the day for our pets to get blessed. If your church is not having a pet blessing for the parishioners,  try asking your parish priest to bless your pet. Call and make an appointment. In the event that is not an option, you can bless your pet yourself with the following prayer:

BLESSING OF A PET

Lord God,

You have made all living things

and You are even more wonderful

than the things You have made.

We thank You for giving us our pets

who are our friends

and who give us so much joy in life.

Bless this Pet.

May it give us joy and remind us of Your power.

May we realize that 

as our pets trust us to take care of them,

so we should trust You to take care of us,

and in taking care of them

we share in Your love for all Your creatures.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

This blessing can be used by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  Note to Catholics:  If you have Holy Water available, be sure to bless your pet with the Holy Water.

Prayer source:  New Saint Joseph's People's Prayer Book.