alleluliah

"Today, we endeavor to understand more deeply what it means to be stewards of creation by celebrating St. Francis [of Assisi]. . .We reach back to 1182 as we focus on the transformation and dedication of someone who must have seemed unlikely to become a saint.  Born to a prosperous family, Francis reveled in wealth and craved military fame in his youth.  But he would later have his life changed by his encounters with street beggars and lepers.  Francis defied the protests of his father as he renounced all material values. . .

 

"Each year the Earth Mass and Blessing of the Animals is placed under the roof of [St. John the Divine Cathedral] as a way of convening a conversation about stewardship of creation. . .Francis taught that we were created by the One who created all things.  And that we are intended by God to be faithful by loving each other, every creature, and all of creation. . ."

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

For All Creation

"We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; 

for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers, and for the wonder of your animal kingdom.  We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity.  Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen."

 

 The Blessing

 The Bishop invokes blessing on the animals

"Live without fear: your Creator loves you, made you holy, and has always protected you. Go in peace to follow the good road and may God's blessing be with you always. Amen."

 

Prayer

Attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we 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.