~ BLESS THE ANIMALS DAY ~

As autumn arrives, from shore to shore
There's a special day on October four
People come from miles away
for Bless the Animals Day ...

This is St. Francis's Feast Day celebration
Observed in remembrance across all nations
This is indeed a very special time ...
to remember all God's creatures kind ...

On this day we should never forget
the special bond between person and pet
A bond of unconditional love
Blessed by God from above ...

As all the animals are gathered
furry ones, fins and feathered
All across the land they're led to Church
by leashes and some atop a perch ...

How beautiful these animals are for all to see
as they receive the Blessing with such dignity
You may hear a meow or a soft bark
these are responses from the animal's hearts

Their owners stand with love and pride
with their faithful pets by their sides
Joining in for pet Blessings and Prayers
A time for all hearts to share ...

As Bless the animal day ends
the miracles of love only just begins
as the owners and pets leave together
theirs is a love that lasts forever ...

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!
Amen.”