Friday, October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. As the patron saint of animals, many parishes throughout the Diocese bless animals in honor of this popular saint. St. Francis had a love for all of God's creation, especially animals.
O God,
you have done all things wisely; in your goodness you have made us in your image and given us care over other living things.
Reach out with your right had 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 enternal life. (Blessing Animals - 958)
If your parish (within the Diocese of Cleveland) holds an animal blessing, we'd love to see it. Please send the link to the online gallery or story to webmaster@dioceseofcleveland.org.
St. Ambrose (Brunswick) - WEWS story
St. John Bosco (Parma Heights) - Facebook Gallery