Blessing of the Animals
Animal Blessing ceremonies are very popular with the American public and increasingly accepted by many churches. People bring a variety of companion animals, everything from the expected dogs and cats, to rabbits and lizards, camels and horses, and even favorite stuffed animals and photographs of deceased pets.
Catholic, Lutheran and Episcopal churches seem to be most often the ones hosting the ceremonies. Sometimes college or university interfaith chapels hold animal blessing ceremonies. Most ceremonies are held outside, regardless of weather, while some are held inside the church.
The traditional time is the weekend nearest the 4th of October to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, but ceremonies are often held from September through mid-October.
How do you find a ceremony?
- Watch the paper from the end of September through the month of October
- Inquire at your local Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal church, or university chapel
- Ask your vet’s office, your local Humane Society or shelter
- Do an internet search with these keywords: your town name, blessing, animals
- Check for ceremonies in your area in this partial list of Animal Blessings in the US
See a ceremony online:
- Duke University Blessing of the Animals (Photo Gallery)
- Animal Rescue League of Iowa Blessing Ceremony (Excellent, close-up video)
- Animal Blessing, Long Beach, CA, September 2006 (Composite video of a large ceremony, set to music)
- Animal Blessing at the Eldon College Chapel (slideshow of a small college ceremony, set to music)
Further information:
- Blessing of the Animals in the US (an article by a Franciscan Catholic)
- Prayers for Animals and other resources (Episcopalian Church)
- Browse online Newspaper coverage of animal blessings around the world.
Recommended Reading:
