When you think of Saint Francis, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For me, it’s an image associated with nature, especially animals.
There are many legends about Saint Francis sharing the gospel message of love with animals. A story I vividly recall from childhood was about Saint Francis calming a hungry wolf so it could live peaceably with local townspeople, their dogs, and their flocks of sheep. (The legend deeply impressed me in part because of the way it was illustrated in my little storybook–an enormous snarling wolf with saliva dripping from its teeth, faced by a calm Saint Francis, reaching his hand out.) There are also legends about Saint Francis preaching to birds, who listened with utmost attention.
The feast day is a time to remember Saint Francis’ love for animals and for all of God’s good creation. In honor of the feast, take some time to reflect on the creatures and places of natural beauty that you love!
Archived Comments
- October 4, 2012 at 8:53 am
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Carson and Clementine
- October 4, 2012 at 8:56 am
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LULU, sweetest rescue!
- October 4, 2012 at 9:07 am
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This is a nice idea – and a lot easier than trying bring cats to a blessing! We tried that one time and it was not pretty – tears all around by the end . Our 2 pets (both cats) are Rudy and Casey. Thanks so much for including them in the litany.
- October 4, 2012 at 9:42 am
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Please add Brother Samm the cat to your blessing list. Thanks!
- October 4, 2012 at 10:06 am
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Please bless Sophie, Clyde and Riley
- October 4, 2012 at 10:16 am
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Poppie and Sammy our cats, and Daisy and Max our dogs!
- October 4, 2012 at 10:25 am
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My cat Gracie!
- October 4, 2012 at 10:38 am
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Please bless Cadbury (rabbit) and Buddy (dog). Thank you!
- October 4, 2012 at 12:40 pm
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Thank you the Prayers are appreciated. Ms Holly Beary and Ms Daisy Duke and Ms Sage Lim. God bless
- October 4, 2012 at 12:42 pm
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Please bless Remi, Calypso and Easton (dogs) and tam tam, open eyes and rain (cats)
- October 4, 2012 at 12:46 pm
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Please add my cat Cleo, who is suffering from cancer. Thank you.
- October 4, 2012 at 2:22 pm
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Button, Dickens, Miss Priscilla, Trixie, Bubba, and their friends.
- October 4, 2012 at 2:35 pm
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Bless Johnny too!
- October 4, 2012 at 2:45 pm
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Claire the dog and Zoe the cat. Thank you!!!
- October 4, 2012 at 3:31 pm
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My dog, Ellie Mae! Thank you!
- October 4, 2012 at 5:34 pm
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Please include, Vodka my dog and Bebi, my beloved friend’s dog.. Thankyou
- October 4, 2012 at 5:36 pm
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Thelma, Lewis and Chevy! (meow). What a wonderful post!
- October 4, 2012 at 5:43 pm
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Remember my 17 year old beagle Jane, she died this morning. And also her lifelong companion Danny as he grieves for her.
- October 4, 2012 at 6:05 pm
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My persian rescue brothers, Humphrey and Bogart
- October 5, 2012 at 6:47 am
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Hello Sisters – Adding my pets (a day late) to your blessing list – living and already passed! Here goes: Hershey, Chloe, Francis, Walter, Thomas, Squeak, Dickens, Calvin, Timber, Oakley, Foster, Lager, Joseph, Peeps, Beadle, Punk, Grey-Grey, Dinkelocher, Scardy-cat, Daisy…and sweet Lily who’s birthday was Oct 4 but who died all too yooung at age 7 last December. When I adopted her from the shelter 5 years ago and found out that her actual birthday was Oct 4, I yelled across the shelter to my husband “she was born on the feast day of St. Franics!” and of course everyone looked at me like I was crazy – but I didn’t care because it was just an extra way to feel that God had brought this blessed creature into my life. Rest in peace, beloved friends – I hope to see you on the other side of the Rainbow bridge someday!
- October 6, 2012 at 1:55 pm
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Your dear pets are in our prayers, Karen! Special anniversary prayers for Lily
- October 5, 2012 at 11:20 am
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Daisy, she is about one ft in weight and 14 inches long.
- October 7, 2012 at 12:10 pm
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Alexis is my dog and Luxor is the cat.
- October 8, 2012 at 6:20 pm
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How nice to remember in prayer all our beloved animals! At the present I have Dominga, a stray who appeared in my yard on Sunday 4 years ago, right after Nikita died. I also have Buttercup, a cat belonging to one of our Sisters who went into Health Care. We bring her down to Monroe now and then to visit Joan. I blessed both of them on the 4th. They in turn bless me everyday with their playfulness, their attentive listening, their vigilance looking out the window, and their quiet presence each day. I love them both.
