On Friday, October 4th, Saint Joseph School students and families celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with their pets’ blessing. Saint Francis of Assisi was a 13th-century friar and preacher known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. In honor of his memory and Saint Francis’ love for all of God’s creations, families bring their pets to church for a special ceremony called the “Blessing of the Animals.”
The celebration is always a memorable event for Saint Joseph School students because they can share their pets with friends and faculty. This year, children and parents gathered on the Basilica steps with their pets, which were blessed by Saint Joseph Basilica Pastor and Saint Joseph School Headmaster, Rev. Grzegorz Chodkowski. Pets included cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, and turtles. Following the blessing, the students and their parents recited a special prayer with utmost reverence, “Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of all animals, we ask for your blessing on our pets today and to keep them safe from harm and sickness. Protect our pets who provide us with daily companionship and joy. Heavenly Father, Creator of all creatures, big and small, wild and tame, allow us to show respect to all Your animals and be a true friend to our pets. Thank you for allowing our pets to enrich our lives with their friendship and loving ways. Amen.” They also received a special Saint Francis of Assisi medal to keep with them.
