Blessing of the Animals

 

"Whenever a fish was caught and Francis was nearby, he would return the fish to the water, warning it not to be caught again. On several occasions the fish would linger awhile near the boat, listening to Francis preach, until he gave them permission to leave. Then they would swim off. In every work of art, as St. Francis called all creation, he would praise the artist, our loving Creator."

— the Rev. Ray Sheldon, quoting John Bookster Feister in his writings about St. Francis of Assisi, during a Blessing of the Animals ceremony Oct. 7 at Faith Community Church. Faith is a new synodically authorized worshiping community in Kingston. The ceremony was one of many in our synod this Sunday recognizing the role animals play in our lives.

Pictured are Faith member Frank Toth with Buster the cat, top, and the Rev. Sheldon, with Sammy the dog.