Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church hosted a Blessing of Animals on Oct. 4, led by Rev. Stephen Pond, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Pond told the story of the wolf that had been eating people. When the town wanted to kill the wolf, Francis talked the wolf into never killing again, thus becoming a pet of the townsfolk. They, in turn, ensured the wolf never went hungry again.
Following the story, readings, and prayer, Pond blessed each animal with water before the service ended.
Much is written about St. Francis’ love of nature, having been inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty. He was the founder of the Franciscan religious order. Born Giovanni de Pietro di Bernardone in 1181, he died after years of wandering and poverty on Oct. 4, 1226, at 45 years of age. Though blind and ill, he wrote the “Canticle of the Sun,” which expresses his brotherhood with creation in praising God.
The Blessing of Animals goes, “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 them his brothers and sisters.”
St. Francis of Assisi was a wealthy young man of privilege who served as a soldier, was a prisoner of war, and followed God’s call. He went on to become one of the most venerated Catholic saints. Francis designed the first Nativity set and was the first man ever recorded to receive the Stigmata, the wounds of Christ.
Pope Gregory IX canonized St. Francis on July 16, 1228.