St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) was an Italian friar who renounced wealth to live the Gospel in simplicity and joy. He is well-known for his deep love of and reverence for all created things. Stories tell of him preaching to the birds, negotiating with a wolf, and respecting all living creatures as brother or sister because we share the same Creator. He wrote the poem entitled Canticle of the Creatures, also known as Canticle of the Sun, which praises God through the beauty of all living things. He is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and the environment. The Blessing of Animals on October 4 is a Christian tradition honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Inspired by his deep reverence for all creatures as fellow children of God, churches began holding animal blessing ceremonies. This practice grew widespread in the 20th century alongside rising environmental awareness. Today, Catholic and other Christian communities host these events, where clergy pray over pets and livestock to give thanks for their companionship and reflect on God’s care for all creation.
View the Daily Readings for this feast day (USCCB)Prayers
St. Francis of Assisi Prayer for Animals
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.Discover Faith Communities 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.
Read this prayer onlineThe Canticle of the Creatures
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing, To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and no human is worthy to mention Your name. Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather, through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night, and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong. Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs. … Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.
Read this prayer onlineBook List
Read these in the days leading up to and around the feast.
Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy
Find book →Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The story of St. Francis, the saint who gave up everything to honor all life on Earth, retold for children.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Find book →Katherine Paterson
A picture-book rendering of the Canticle of the Creatures, inspired by St. Francis.
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