Arkansas churches bless pets in honor of St. Francis

Blessing of pets brings out dogs, cats, other furry friends to church with owners

Published: October 18, 2015

Aprille Hanson

Aprille Hanson

Associate Pastor Father Chris Okeke blesses pets with prayers and holy water under the pavilion at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home. Churches throughout the state, including Monticello and Pine Bluff, held pet blessings on Oct. 4 on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. A priest typically recites a blessing like, “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”