Animals are blessed in honor of St. Francis

Intermountain Catholic

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Fr. William Flegge blesses Jakob Ellery's turtle (right), Augie, the Our Lady of Lourdes School turtle held by George Metos (center), and a guinea pig held by Olivia and Victoria Puhl (left). Fr. Flegge told the students to be kind to their pets.

SALT LAKE CITY — Turtles, dogs, guinea pigs, and African Pigmy hedge hogs were blessed at Our Lady of Lourdes School Oct. 4, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

"We bless these animals today in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all creatures and all things in nature," said Father William Flegge, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City. "It is important to take care of your pets and be kind to them. Pets are our companions."

St. Francis was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy. He died Oct. 4, 1226. There are many stories of how St. Francis could communicate with animals and felt at one with all creation. One of the most famous stories is of St. Francis taming a wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. The wolf was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. Francis had pity on the people and decided to go meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him.

Suddenly the wolf charged out of the woods. Francis made the sign of the cross toward it, and the power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth. Then Francis called out, "Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone." At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb. The wolf’s peacefulness was a living reminder of the patience, virtues, and holiness of St. Francis, and the power of God.

One day while St. Francis was walking with his companions, he spotted some birds and asked them to stay and listen to the Word of God. He told the birds they should praise God, their creator, who gave them wings to fly and feathers for clothes. He walked through the middle of them touching their heads and bodies with his tunic. They did not fly off until he gave them his blessing.

Whenever a fish was caught and Francis was nearby, he would return the fish to the water warning it not to be caught again. The fish would linger near the boat listening to Francis preach, until he gave them permission to leave.

Once a brother brought a rabbit who had been caught in a trap to Francis. Francis advised the rabbit to be more careful and set it free. The rabbit kept hopping back into Francis’ lap. The brother had to take the rabbit far into the woods to set it free.

In honor of St. Francis’ love for all creatures, people enjoy taking their pets to church for a blessing on Oct. 4. Church is where the bond of creation is celebrated.