We celebrated St. Francis of Assisi Day at the 11:45 Blessing of the Animals Service at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday. It was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. I had been talking with Father Des (Desmond Cox) previously in the week and he seemed a bit anxious about whether the animals would all get along and whether anyone would fight or eat each other. I tried to calm his nerves but of course I couldn't resist teasing him a bit as well. I knew God would be on our side when “show time” actually arrived. They had originally planned to have the children bring pictures of their pets, but decided to throw that idea out the window and go for the gusto and invite the congregation to go ahead and bring on your LIVE animals! It was truly a glorious day.
Father Des, Dean Chan, and Father Martin anxiously waiting to bless the animals
There were puppies, small dogs, big dogs, kitty cats, goldfish, baby turtles, creepy crawlers, you name it and a parishioner brought it. The blessings were bountiful and gratefully ALL of God's creatures got along in the name of St. Francis on Sunday.
Father Des, Dean Chan, and Father Martin anxiously waiting to bless the animals
There were puppies, small dogs, big dogs, kitty cats, goldfish, baby turtles, creepy crawlers, you name it and a parishioner brought it. The blessings were bountiful and gratefully ALL of God's creatures got along in the name of St. Francis on Sunday.
All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain, The river running by, The sunset and the morning, That brightens up the sky. 
The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one. 
The tall trees in the greenwood, The meadows where we play, The rushes by the water, We gather every day. 
He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell, How great is God almighty, Who has made ALL things well. 
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, ALL THINGS WISE AND WONDERFUL, THE LORD GOD MADE THEM ALL
I want that Husky you took a picture of...its so pretty
ReplyDeleteJust wanting to let you know I am following your blog.. great pictures of St Francis day
ReplyDeleteBlessings David
Wow - i teared up a bit reading this entry. What a little bit of "back home" in your life. Not only does that church remind me of St John's Montgomery but the service is such a well-loved service -- I'm sure it was absolutely fabulous celebrating St Francis that day. Fun, fun, fun.
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