Some considerations to keep in mind today as we think about the great love we have for our pets and our animal friends more broadly:
It’s a matter of great importance to treat the Earth, our common home, with reverence and compassion. And to extend this compassion to all of Earth’s inhabitants, not just to humans, those of us walking around on two legs with opposable thumbs and somewhat more-capable brains.
I truly love this celebration each year. I have always had a deep love for critters and wildlife of all kinds and have also celebrated and venerated St Francis for many years who has been called the Patron Saint of Animals.
In fact, Saint Francis of Assisi has been the go-to guy when a celebration such as ours this morning comes around. And I think it’s appropriate to mention him on an occasion like today. His feast day is actually observed in the Catholic Church on October 4th and other liturgical churches as well.
Francis was a much-beloved figure in his time. His love for his fellows, animals and for the Earth which supports all of us, was noted by his contemporaries and by the leadership of the Church in the 13th Century. These are some of the reasons that he has been considered for centuries to be a special patron for animals and the environment. Francis is also—along with St Catherine of Sienna—the Patron Saint of Italy.
Many may not know that as a young man, Francis—whose birth name was actually Giovanni—was a combat veteran, a lancer in the army of Assisi in their war against the competing city of Perugia.
He was captured at the outset of that war and held for ransom by Perugian partisans. It was during this time in captivity–which lasted almost a full year–that young Francis fell grievously ill and began receiving visions which would, in a very few years, lead him to embrace a life of poverty, simplicity and–most of all–a life of service to the Divine One, to all humanity and all of God’s creatures.
There’s a well-known, well-loved story about a sermon Francis was said to have preached to some very attentive birds one day as he and some fellow travelers—Monks Francis knew well and worked and worshipped with–as they were making their way through the Spoleto Valley in Italy. Francis, it is said, noticed that a huge flock of birds had gathered in nearby trees surrounding them. Francis felt that the birds were watching him as if they were anticipating something. Feeling Divine inspiration, he decided to preach a sermon about God’s love for them.
It was an encouraging message about the Divine One’s love and all-sufficient care. And then, the story goes, the birds began to chirp and sing before they winged away, to each of Earth’s four directions, to rejoice in and share this loving and pious man’s message.
So, now we are preparing to bestow our finest and heart-felt blessing on Mittens and Rover. And so many other friends who may walk—or hop–or crawl–on four legs! I am not at all slighting our friends who flit about on two wings. We—as did Francis in his day—adore and care for them and give them our highest and most-heartfelt blessing today!
A quick aside: I’ll never forget when Goofball the First, my beloved parakeet, escaped when we had the kitchen door open just a moment too long! I cried for days…
St Francis loved well and cared for lepers and outcasts in his corner of the World and for all god’s creatures, great and small. And that great love for the Earth and all of Her critters and creatures is something we all share and are gathered to celebrate here today!
A Reading here from author Andriy from the site Psychology.tips
The Importance of Love with Animals
I’ve journeyed through the fascinating world of animal-human relationships, and I’m at the end now. It’s vital for us to understand how deep our bonds with animals can go. Our connections with them are not just about companionship; they’re about mutual respect, coexistence, and shared emotions.
Love towards animals has shown multiple benefits for us humans. Studies indicate that being around animals can lower stress levels and boost our mood. They don’t judge or hold grudges; their love is unconditional.
But it’s not a one-way street. Animals too, benefit from our affection. A home filled with love can provide shelter dogs or cats a second chance at life while providing an enriching environment for pets.
…let me emphasize this – loving animals teaches us empathy and compassion, shaping us into better individuals overall. As we take care of them, we learn responsibility and kindness – traits that extend beyond our interactions with animals.
So let’s cherish these wonderful creatures who give so much yet ask for so little in return. Let’s continue to appreciate them every day because the importance of love with animals cannot be overstated.
In a world where there’s often too much hate going around, let’s choose to spread more love – especially towards those who wag their tails or purr in response!
In his love;
Ben Lawrence Basile
© 2024 Benjamin Lawrence Basile
The Fellowship of St Francis 