October is one of our favorite months because many important dates in this tenth month celebrates cats. This weekend is the blessing of pets throughout churches in the U.S. in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who devouted to a life void of material things, helping the poor and homeless animals.
Francis saw animals as his brothers and sisters because they were God’s creatures, just like people. He said of animals:
“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission -- to be of service to them wherever they require it.”
So Francis prayed that God would work through him to help animals as well as people.
His Saint Day is observed October 4th and therefore the Blessing of Animals is observed on or near October 4th.
In downtown Miami, Riverfront Cats is volunteering and celebrating at Trinity Cathedral beginning at 4pm.
TRINITY CATHEDRAL
464 NE 16th St Miami, FL 33132
Have you had your pet blessed? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Check local listings in your area. You don't have to be Catholic to attend. All are welcome!
We haven't been blessed...every year the mom says she's gonna take us and then she forgets.
ReplyDeleteA long time ago, she took the cats that came before us and had them blessed. She says it was a cool experience.
We have the Blessing every year and our Priest stops by just for us.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed the experience.
ReplyDeletewe don't see this in the uk,shame reallt,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteThe first time my human heard of this it was because an American Church in Paris was doing it!
ReplyDeleteI don't think they do it in French churches, but I might be wrong.
Purrs
I haven't been able to think ever since I read Brian's comment.
ReplyDeletewe like ta ask St Francis ta bless uz via long distance......make that a reely looooooooooooooong distance....we dunno de act shoe ull milez frum R houz ta heaven but we noe itz a bunch
ReplyDelete