Activity time: 20 minutes

Description of Activity

Tell the group in your own words:

A man named Francis lived in Europe, many years ago. He became devoted to making his life religious. He loved all animals and took care of them. In the Catholic faith tradition, Francis is remembered as St. Francis of Assisi. For people who follow the Catholic faith, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment

Each year in October, many Catholic churches sponsor a blessing of the animals service, in honor of the memory of St. Francis of Assisi and to continue his work of respecting and caring for animals. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations also hold a blessing of the animals. They invite people to bring their animals to the faith home to share in a blessing.

If your congregation already plans to hold a blessing of the animals in October, or at another time, engage the group in promoting this event. Children can make or color a poster, flyers, or invitations. Encourage them to bring their own pets for a blessing on the appointed day.

If your congregation does not hold a blessing of the animals, engage participants in planning such an event. What would the event look like? What animals could come? What would be good blessings to offer our animals?

Invite your religious director or minister to become involved. Visit the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations online Worship Web resource and search “animals” for a variety of blessings of animals.