BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Who is St. Francis

St. Francis was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy, and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

He is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and for his love for animals and nature. He is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Blessing of  Animals

Many people bring their beloved fur babies to be blessed around the time of the Feast of St. Francis because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures.

RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10th

Facilitate by Sr. Elizabeth Oleksak, SP

Sr. Elizabeth Oleksak, SP, foundress of Genesis, is an experienced retreat and spiritual director and BioSpiritual Focusing facilitator. Sr. Elizabeth has a background in pastoral counseling.  She studied Centering Prayer with the Trappist Monks in the 1970's. She is also an eco-spirituality resource person.