Blessing of Pets

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Hi I was wondering why during the feast of St. Francis of Assisi do we have our pets blessed if we want them to be? If our pets have no eternal souls than what is the point of blessing them and what are the effects of it?

Thank You,
God Bless
 
why do we have our houses, cars, boats, religious articles and other objects blessed? the don’t have souls, either. (btw animals do have animal souls).

the blessing is not about the created object it is about us and our use of those objects, including our pets, for the greater honor and glory of God as revealed in his creation.
 
You may have them blessed, yes. In fact, many parishes will have a “blessing of pets” every year.

What’s the point in blessing animals since they have no eternal souls, you ask? Well, what’s the point in blessing houses? Cars? Wedding rings? These things aren’t even alive, yet it’s common to bless them. We just do it to impart God’s protection and grace upon them. If you think about it, priests probably bless more inhuman things than humans.
 
Our parish had their annual “blessing of the pets” a few weeks ago. It now seems that every time he turns around, the deacon is blessing someone’s pets. For the past several weeks, after almost every Mass, sometimes before Mass, and sometimes before a meeting like RCIA or something like that, someone stops him and asks him to bless their dog or cat or whatever. He’s probably blessed more pets in the past several weeks than since he’s become a deacon four years ago.

He’s become our parish’s St. Francis.

Scout :tiphat:
 
Our Lord put creatures on earth, including pets, to help get us to heaven. That is why we bless them.
 
I wanted to take my cat, Precious, to get her blessed this year but I was afraid she wouldn’t like it at all so I didn’t. I wonder if there is any way to get a priest to bless her without the big crowds and stuff?
 
The “Prayer for Pets” helps to put things in perspective regarding our companion animals.
In Your infinite wisdom, Lord God, when You created the Universe You blessed us with all living creatures. We especially thank You for giving us our pets who are our friends and who bring us so much joy in life. Their presence very often helps us get through trying times. Kindly bless my pet. May my pet continue giving me joy and remind me of Your power.
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May we realize that as our pets trust in us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all Your creatures. Enlighten our minds to preserve all endangered species so that we may continue to appreciate all of Your creations.
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Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Holly3278 said:
I wanted to take my cat, Precious, to get her blessed this year but I was afraid she wouldn’t like it at all so I didn’t. I wonder if there is any way to get a priest to bless her without the big crowds and stuff?
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Just arrange a short ten-minute meeting with him sometime outside mass.
 
Holly3278 said:
I wanted to take my cat, Precious, to get her blessed this year but I was afraid she wouldn’t like it at all so I didn’t. I wonder if there is any way to get a priest to bless her without the big crowds and stuff?
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From experience, you might find out whether the priest is cat friendly or cat experienced. 🙂

One of our local Friars didn’t understand about how some cats can react ‘negatively’ to Holy Water splashing them in their faces.
 
I’ve taken each of the dogs and cats I’ve ever had to be blessed at the annual animal blessing near the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. One dog in particular, who was jet black, would stand on his hind legs and bark like a maniac through the whole blessing service. The priest said, “It seems like I have some preaching competition going on here!” but blessed him too, anyways. And no, none of the cats liked getting water, holy or otherwise, splashed in their faces.

Our current priest seems to have solved the problem of angry cats, though: He has a cat yummy treat in one hand as he sprinkles them with his other hand.
 
Zooman77 said:
Hi I was wondering why during the feast of St. Francis of Assisi do we have our pets blessed if we want them to be? If our pets have no eternal souls than what is the point of blessing them and what are the effects of it?

Thank You,
God Bless
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this is a matter or philosophical debate. if you believe St Thomas Aquinas then yes animals have no souls and this is a pretty pointless act. However if you read anything on the life of St Francis he was a great animal lover. While i don’t think he would say that animals do have souls he would say that an animal is a child of God and can receive a blessing.

There are stories where St Francis would go into the woods call all the animals and give a sermon on God the animals would stay until he finished and then they would leave.
 
puzzleannie said:
why do we have our houses, cars, boats, religious articles and other objects blessed? the don’t have souls, either. (btw animals do have animal souls).

the blessing is not about the created object it is about us and our use of those objects, including our pets, for the greater honor and glory of God as revealed in his creation.
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No animals do not have “animal souls” a Soul is the rational part of the human person the essence if you will if your a platonist. Animals not being rational creatures that is not having a intellect and a will do not have souls.

And yes this also means theres no “animal heaven” either. just like santa clause the easter bunny and the tooth fairy these are stories we tell children.
 
Holly3278 said:
I wanted to take my cat, Precious, to get her blessed this year but I was afraid she wouldn’t like it at all so I didn’t. I wonder if there is any way to get a priest to bless her without the big crowds and stuff?
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Some priests will bless a picture of the animal. The Franciscan church i attend do that so you might ask.
 
bostonboy23 said:
this is a matter or philosophical debate. if you believe St Thomas Aquinas then yes animals have no souls and this is a pretty pointless act. However if you read anything on the life of St Francis he was a great animal lover. While i don’t think he would say that animals do have souls he would say that an animal is a child of God and can receive a blessing.

There are stories where St Francis would go into the woods call all the animals and give a sermon on God the animals would stay until he finished and then they would leave.
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St. Thomas Aquinas certainly taught that animals have souls. Material souls, to be sure, but they definitely have souls according to Thomistic thinking. Humans have rational souls, but a soul is not automatically rational.

As for the original question, we bless all creation. It has nothing to do with everlasting souls, and everything to do with God’s influence on everything, everywhere. Just a few weeks ago I saw someone getting their car blessed by a Latin priest. 🙂

Peace and God bless!
 
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