The Season of Creation Week 5

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

Dear Friends, 

Every blessing to you and yours during this fifth 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:

This week, I invite you to seek out some leaves on the ground. Take a picture, or make a sketch. Reflect and pray on the endings and beginnings that come to mind when you look at a leaf on the ground. Decomposing leaves create natural mulch and improves soil health. It also provides essential habitats for wintering insects and other small creatures, which in turn benefit birds and other wildlife. What prayerful reflection do you have about your experience of this Season of Creation?

LAST CHANCE: 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. 

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. 

Peace and all Good, 

Father Shawn

Photo - Leaves on the Labyrinth at St. John's