The originally harmonious relationship between human beings and nature has become conflictual in many ways. Through universal reconciliation with every creature, Saint Francis in some way returned to the state of original innocence as described in the book of Genesis. In calling to mind the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi, we come to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one of a personal conversion, recognizing our failures and leading to a heartfelt desire to change. May the light of the grace we have received from God be evident in our relationship to other creatures and to the world around us. Let us help nurture that relationship with all creation which Saint Francis of Assisi so radiantly embodied.
A reading from the book of Genesis (Gen 1:20-25) And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let Birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged Bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let Birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind : Cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. The word of the Lord.
We ask for a blessings for our pets and for all animals
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of these animals his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless all the animals of the world, especially our pets. 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.
Peace prayer of St Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Now let us present our prayer intentions to our heavenly Father:
1. For Pope Francis and all our Church leaders, that they may help us be good stewards of God’s creation, caring for the earth, our gifts, and our precious resources, we pray to the Lord.
2. For our governmental leaders, that they may be servant leaders who help feed the hungry and life up the poor from their desperate circumstances, we pray to the Lord.
3. For healing and reconciliation in our broken world. We pray to the Lord.
4. For our deceased family members, loved ones, and community members. For their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord.
5. For those who need healing in body, mind, and spirit. For those who are struggling with addictions, depression, or mental illness. We pray to the Lord.
6. For members of Franciscan communities around the world. For the spirit of St Francis of Assisi that is alive in them. We pray to the Lord.
Closing prayer: O God, by the gift of your grace, Saint Francis of Assisi was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility. May we all walk in the footsteps of St Francis in our love our neighbor and in our love of creation as we live out our lives of discipleship, practicing joyful charity. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
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