The St. Clement School Community celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, October 4th at our all-school Mass. St. Francis taught the message that all creatures are brothers and sisters under God. The children were encouraged to bring a stuffed animal or photo of their family pet to be blessed by our pastor, Fr. EJ Stein OFM.
The blessing of the pets used is typically: “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 Saint 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.”
Fr. EJ even sat outside on the park bench in front of the Friary that evening to bless their actual pets! We love the Franciscan traditions of our school!