The Season of Creation Week 3

The Season of Creation, St. Francis, and the Blessing of the Animals 

Dear Friends, 

Every blessing to you and yours during this third week of the Season of Creation, which will conclude with the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. 

Here is a prayer for this week, created by The Third Order of the Society of St. Francis:

God of love, show us our place in this world, 

as kin to all the non-human creatures with whom we share the earth. 

They came forth from your hand; 

they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. 

And not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Amen.

Amen.

Action of the Week

St. Francis taught us about taking action in the world. I invite you to think about this simple action as we reflect on the Season of Creation:

We share our world with all of God’s non-human creatures. Find some time this week to “notice” a non-human creature--a bird hopping along a sidewalk, a dog out for a walk, a cat sitting on a ledge, or maybe even a bee buzzing around as their season winds down. You might do this on a walk or whilst looking out the window at home. Take a few minutes to respond in some way to this creature in writing. Record a wondering or perhaps a memory that this creature brings to mind. Offer a prayer for the creature’s well-being. 

The Blessing of the Animals

On October 4th, we will have a “Blessing of the Animals” as a part of our Feast of St. Francis Service. To enable wide participation, and to recognise that everyone has different levels of comfort around the animals we share the Earth with, the prayer and blessing will be conducted with photographs only. 

Between now and September 30th, you are invited to submit a photo of an animal that has brought you joy in your life, past or present, to me, Father Shawn. You can submit the image digitally at this special email address: photos@therevdrshawn.ca. You can also simply give me a printed photo. In your email (or on the back of the photo) please include your name and the name of your pet / animal companion / animal that brings you joy. 

Peace and all Good, 

Father Shawn

Photo: Praying Mantis in the Sweet Peas, Cooper Heibloem