In a week the Church will celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Most notable in the celebration of this beautiful life is his love for creation! Saint Francis loved all creatures referring to them as "brethren, brothers and sisters" as well as the whole of creation. He understood in a most profound and perfect way, the solidarity and connection that the non-human creatures and elements shared with their Creator. He was spiritually in-tune to his human/spiritual role as "stand-in" for God, communing with creation in humility and innocence.
In 2009, two books were written by two Catholic authors, one a Friar and one a layman addressing the Church's teachings on humankind's relationship with animals and creation. "Will I See My Dog in Heaven?" by Friar Jack Wintz, OFM, and "Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!" by Susi Pittman are both books that speak to this topic and herald the work of Saint Francis.
Friar Jack has actively lived a Franciscan life and shares his love of pets and animals in his book and with all he meets. He also conducts the BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS around the feast day of Saint Francis.
CLICK HERE to watch a video featuring his book, "Will I See My Dog in Heaven?"
Susi too, like Friar Jack, conveys in her book that God's saving love for all creation is extended by divine providence to save and include the non-human realm.
CLICK HERE to view Susi on South Bend's WNDU "Focus on Faith" speaking of God's providential care both here and hereafter.
The Franciscans present a wonderful article on the BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS which explains in detail this beautiful celebration.
So, check your local Church for their BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS and take your pets and animals to be blessed in the name of their Creator. Share your love of creatures by encouraging those about you to be responsible and kind to the creation about them, most assuredly the domestic pets that give us their unconditional love. Remembering that they do so because God has created them in this way and they too will rest eternally in His providential care!
Mary has a passion for the Gregorian Chant, a true musical treasure of the Church. Take a spiritual walk with her through Church history and her own perceptions of this beautiful music.
Saint Francis of Assisi-We need you today more than ever
It's the most wonderful time of the year. We hear that usually at Christmas, but for Susi, the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi brings to mind the loving gifts of a Creator received in beauty and loved by this great saint!
Father Ron's thoughts this week are rolling in the passion of war's ugly side. It is poignantly and graphically expressed from the mind of a military chaplain.
Susi Pittman, author and founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com is available to speak to your school, club or organization. *
She loves sharing her passion and love for the creatures of this world with her audience! Susi is about saying "yes" to God when it would be easier to say no! She is about teaching others how to see the created world through the eyes of a dedicated steward, as God's "stand-in." She is about believing that you can do anything you want to do and enjoy getting there, heartbreak and all! If it is the challenge of change, Susi helps people rise to the occasion with all the vigor and enthusiasm that serving God as caretakers demands in this wonderful life.
For booking information, please call (904) 735-5979 or email Susi@catholicstewardsofcreation.com
*Her presentations meet the religious curriculum for Catholic grade school classes.
We found a great blog spot with some terrific natural and holistic pet eating information along with healthy insight into vegetables for dogs and cats. You might be surprised at what you read!
Saint Francis of Assisi is known for his poem of Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He certainly would have appreciated this picture! We have the Mother Earth and Sister Moon as photographed from Mars.
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