Saint Francis loved them

[Retread_Mick]

Ever since our parish held a pet blessing last fall, I’ve been thinking about getting St. Francis medals for our pets collars. My wife bless her, non-Catholic, (but making the journey home), found a small decorative cross, no figure, and hung it on my dog. Somewhere in the back of my mind, there’s a little voice asking if this is permissible or not. Not in a million years would I consider using a true crucifix, or any other medal than St. Francis. What do my brothers and sisters think.

 

[Pat_Payne]

Ever since our parish held a pet blessing last fall, I’ve been thinking about getting St. Francis medals for our pets collars. My wife bless her, non-Catholic, (but making the journey home), found a small decorative cross, no figure, and hung it on my dog. Somewhere in the back of my mind, there’s a little voice asking if this is permissible or not. Not in a million years would I consider using a true crucifix, or any other medal than St. Francis. What do my brothers and sisters think.

Like this one? Ain’t no rule against it…

 

[schaeffer]

Ever since our parish held a pet blessing last fall, I’ve been thinking about getting St. Francis medals for our pets collars. My wife bless her, non-Catholic, (but making the journey home), found a small decorative cross, no figure, and hung it on my dog. Somewhere in the back of my mind, there’s a little voice asking if this is permissible or not. Not in a million years would I consider using a true crucifix, or any other medal than St. Francis. What do my brothers and sisters think.

I’m not Catholic, so not exactly a brother or sister, but part of my reaction is due to that and might be useful.

One, I would not personally attach any symbols of my faith to any of my pets.

Two, if I saw anyone else do this I would think it was weird and superstitious.

Does it mean that the pet is considered a member or representative of the faith? Is the medal etc a talisman or understood to provide some sort of protection? That comes across as superstitious to me.

Are the animals somehow consecrated to the faith or to a particular saint? If so, what does that mean?

And then there is the chestnut “what would Jesus do” (which I know is not of Catholic origin) but I’m doubting Jesus would put a religious medal on an animal. The only thing I can think of is if the animal is somehow consecrated to service within the faith as either a sacrificial animal or carrying out some other type of service that had to do specifically with the faith, not just a companion animal.

Not that you as a Catholic should base your decisions on the personal feelings of others or what conclusions they may erroneously draw, but I do wonder, what would you think if you saw a dog with a Star of David or Thor’s Hammer on their collar?

But probably I just overthink things.

 

[Winter_Warlock_1]

Mick,

You can ask your Priest - and if it is not an issue. Maybe take the cross to him for a blessing.

You can also go online and get a St. Francis medallion with the image of St. Francis with a little prayer on the back asking for protection of you “furry kid”.

May God bless and keep you and your family.

Winter

 

[Retread_Mick]

I’m not Catholic, so not exactly a brother or sister, but part of my reaction is due to that and might be useful.

One, I would not personally attach any symbols of my faith to any of my pets.

Two, if I saw anyone else do this I would think it was weird and superstitious.

Does it mean that the pet is considered a member or representative of the faith? Is the medal etc a talisman or understood to provide some sort of protection? That comes across as superstitious to me.

Are the animals somehow consecrated to the faith or to a particular saint? If so, what does that mean?

And then there is the chestnut “what would Jesus do” (which I know is not of Catholic origin) but I’m doubting Jesus would put a religious medal on an animal. The only thing I can think of is if the animal is somehow consecrated to service within the faith as either a sacrificial animal or carrying out some other type of service that had to do specifically with the faith, not just a companion animal.

Not that you as a Catholic should base your decisions on the personal feelings of others or what conclusions they may erroneously draw, but I do wonder, what would you think if you saw a dog with a Star of David or Thor’s Hammer on their collar?

But probably I just overthink things.

First, Catholic on not, please be reassured that I would consider you a brother or sister whichever the case may be.

Secondly, thank you very much for your well thought out and honest comments. My thoughts were more along the line, that since St. Francis is to animals, as St Christopher is to travelers, the presence of his medal would be akin to having a St. Christopher’s medal in ones auto. i.e. Seeking a patrons guardian/protectorship. However, after reading your comments a whole new line of reasoning has opened up. It did not occur to me earlier, that some very negative connotations might be drawn by others.

 

[Retread_Mick]

Like this one? Ain’t no rule against it…

Exactly:clapping: