Come to the outdoor courtyard of the Cathedral at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4th for the annual Blessing of the Animals, led by the Very Rev. Ward Simpson, our new Dean, who is joining us just this week!
October 4 is the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who lived from 1182 to 1226, and was legendary for his love of animals and nature.
Many Episcopal churches honor God’s creatures on this day with a Blessing of the Animals service. Please bring your pet (properly restrained, of course) and give thanks for the blessing he/she brings to your life!
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.