Blessing of the Animals in the Spirit of St. Francis
- Layna Maher
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Welcome
Leader (in English, then optionally invite others to read the following lines in Spanish)
English Welcome, friends— two-legged, four-legged, winged, finned, and all beloved of God. We gather today to bless our animal companions, honoring them as sacred parts of God’s creation, as St. Francis taught.
Spanish Bienvenidos, amigos: de dos patas, de cuatro, alados, con aletas, y todos los amados por Dios. Nos reunimos hoy para bendecir a nuestros compañeros animales, honrándolos como partes sagradas de la creación de Dios, como enseñó San Francisco.
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Opening Prayer
(Read in English, followed by optional Spanish versions. Everyone says “Amen”)
English God of all life, You made the earth and all its creatures. Thank you for the animals who share our homes and hearts. May we learn to care for all living things as our brothers and sisters. Amen.
Spanish Dios de toda vida, Tú creaste la tierra y todas sus criaturas. Gracias por los animales que comparten nuestros hogares y corazones. Que aprendamos a cuidar de todos los seres vivos como hermanos y hermanas. Amén.
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Individual Animal Blessing
(This simple blessing may be repeated for each animal or photo.)
English [Name], may you be blessed in the name of the God who created you. May you and your human companion know joy, love, and peace. May your life be long, your days happy, and your care gentle. Amen.
Spanish [Nombre], que seas bendecido/a en el nombre del Dios que te creó. Que tú y tu compañero humano conozcan la alegría, el amor y la paz. Que tu vida sea larga, tus días felices, y tu cuidado tierno. Amén.
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Closing Prayer
English God of all creatures, We thank You for the joy, companionship, and wonder these animals bring. Teach us to walk gently on the earth, To protect all life, And to love as freely as they do. Amen.
Spanish Dios de todas las criaturas, Te damos gracias por la alegría, la compañía y el asombro que estos animales nos traen. Enséñanos a caminar con suavidad sobre la tierra, A proteger toda la vida, Y a amar tan libremente como ellos. Amén.
"May you be blessed in the name of the God who created you. May you and your human companion know joy, love, and peace."
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