Sun Shines For Blessing Of The Animals At St Rose School

By Tanjua Damon

Whoever said Friday the 13th was a day for bad luck could not have been more wrong this past Friday as the sun blazed and the autumn trees conveyed brilliant colors of red, orange, and yellow during the Blessing of the Animals at St Rose School.

St Rose Principal Donna DeLuca thanked God for the wonderful day He provided for the annual event as children, parents, and animals looked on during the ceremony.

“We thank God first of all,” she said. “Close your eyes. I’d like you to feel the sun on your faces. I’d like you to feel the sun through your clothes. You have to be silent to appreciate the beauty around us.”

The Blessing of the Animals ceremony was a remembrance of St Francis, whose motto was “My God and My All,” Ms DeLuca said. St Francis helped people become closer to God and Jesus.

Father Larry Larson spoke to the crowd about the special place in everyone’s life.

“Animals fill the skies, the earth, and the seas. They are God’s beloved creatures. Saint Francis remembered this,” Father Larson said. “He called the animals his brothers and sisters. Today we ask God to bless these animals, our brothers and sisters. We thank God for letting us share the earth with such wonderful and amazing creatures.”

Before blessing over 50 animals, Father Larson spoke this prayer:

“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.

On the fifth and sixth days of creation, you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land.

You inspired St Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters.

We ask you to bless these animals.

By the power of your love, enable them to live according to your plan.

May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Father Larson then blessed children’s pictures of animals that were unable to attend the ceremony. Then dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and others lined up to be sprinkled with holy water during the blessing of the animals.