After several years of missing this event, I finally got to do the Blessing of Animals this year. It was a glorious (meaning: “not too hot for Florida”) October morning at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Apopka, FL. I had a blast.
A grateful diaconal bow to my pastor, Father Mathew, who shot these pix and video.
There was a nice turnout and some nice animals: everything from fuzzy little dogs to German Shepherds to chickens and guinea pigs! There was even a cat or two. Oh, and one (1) turtle.
From the Book of Blessings:
Oh God,
you have done all things wisely;
in your goodness you have made us in your image
and give us care over other living things.
Reach out with your right hand
and grant that these animals may serve our needs
and that your bounty in the resources of this life
may move us to seek more confidently
the goal of eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
