The Season of Creation Week 4

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

Dear Friends, 

Every blessing to you and yours during this fourth 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:

Creator God, teach us to see you in the beauty of the universe,

for all things speak of you.

Awaken our praise and thankfulness for everything that you have made.

Give us the grace to perceive that we are connected to everything that is.

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:

Go out into the natural world, your backyard, a local park, a nearby trail. Step into that space with the intention to give thanks for what you experience. Open your eyes, your ears . . . engage all of your senses to let yourself notice something new. Journal about your experience--what has changed now that you have given thanks? 

The Blessing of the Animals (Don’t delay! :) )

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. 

There is still time 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