ELCA FAITH FORMATION
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Blessing of the Animals

Christians around the world celebrate a ritual that St. Francis of Assisi started almost 800 years ago by blessing animals. It was Francis who introduced the idea that human beings are only one of God's many creations, but that all, including animals, are blessed by God. He was born in Italy around 1181 and is considered the Patron Saint of animals and the natural environment. 

Every year, around October 4th, many congregations have a special liturgy called the "Blessing of the Animals." People are asked to bring their pet animals for a blessing on this day. The service includes prayers for creation and a blessing of the animals.
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From Milestones Ministry comes a Blessing of the Animals
​for your congregation or at home.

We offer curated Christian faith formation resources,
so you don't have to scour the internet yourself.
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  • Home
    • About
  • Faith at Home
    • Covid Resources >
      • Prayers/Poems
    • Why? Family Centered
  • Education
    • Schools & Early Learning Centers
    • Curriculum *includes Spanish >
      • Adults
      • Bibles
      • Books
      • Devotionals & Prayer
      • Fun & Games
      • Las Programas en Español
      • VBS
    • Young Adults
  • Ministry
    • Children's Worship Resources >
      • Lectionary
      • Music & Musicals
      • Nursery
      • Synod Assemblies
    • Death & Dying
    • Development & Mental Health
    • Ecumenical, Jewish & Muslim
    • ELCA Youth Gathering - 2024 >
      • 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering Resources
    • Podcasts
    • Sexuality >
      • Books-Queer
    • Social Justice (Race and more) >
      • Advocacy
      • Books >
        • Books/Discussion Guides for Adults
      • DEI
      • Disability Ministry
      • Hunger
      • Immersion Experiences
      • Native American
      • Young Adult Missions
    • Stewardship >
      • Artists For Hire
      • Creation Care
    • Training & Certification >
      • Journi
      • Safety
      • Sample Job Descriptions
      • Volunteers >
        • Spiritual Gifts
  • Seasonal Resources
    • Advent & Christmas
    • Epiphany
    • African-American History Month: February >
      • Valentine's (Feb 14)
    • Women's History Month: March
    • Lent & Easter plus Earth Day >
      • Earth Day
    • Pentecost
    • Summer >
      • Pride Month (June)
    • Reformation >
      • Blessing of the Animals
    • All Saint's
    • Thanksgiving
    • *Intergenerational*