Join us on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM as Prince of Peace Parish hosts a Blessing of the Animals at Holy Family Field in Lewiston and the lawn at Holy Trinity in Lisbon Falls. 

Bring your pets for a special blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who saw all animals as brothers and sisters. This is a wonderful way to introduce your children and grandchildren to the sacramentals that bring extra blessings and grace into our Catholic lives.

For those with animals that cannot be easily transported—such as horses, cows, or goldfish—you can also offer a blessing at home. Here’s a simple prayer service you can use.

At-Home Blessing of the Animals Prayer Service:

Opening: All make the Sign of the Cross. The leader begins:

Wonderful are all God's works. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All respond: Now and forever.

Introduction:

The leader says: The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in our lives and in the ways of human beings. St. Francis of Assisi called all animals, wild and tame, his brothers and sisters. Remembering his love for them, we invoke God's blessing on these animals and give thanks for sharing the earth with all creatures.

Scripture Reading:

Listen to the words of the book of Genesis (Genesis 1:20-25):

Blessing Prayer:

After a moment of silence, all gather around the animals, and the leader prays:

O God, you have done all things wisely; in your goodness, you have made us in your image and given us care over other living things. Reach out with your right hand and grant that these animals may serve our needs, and may your bounty lead us to seek the goal of eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All respond: Amen.

Closing Blessing:

All make the Sign of the Cross as the leader concludes:

May God, who created the animals of this earth to help us, continue to protect and sustain us with the grace His blessing brings, now and forever.

All respond: Amen.

Whether you’re joining us in person or offering a blessing at home, let us celebrate the creatures that are part of our lives and thank God for the beauty of all creation.