Each year on October 4, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in our tradition. Known for his simplicity, humility, and profound love for all God’s creatures, St. Francis reminds us that creation is not simply something we use, but a gift from God that we are called to cherish, protect, and enjoy.For St. Francis, the world was a reflection of God’s goodness. He called the sun his brother, the moon his sister, and even recognized a kinship with animals and all living things. His famous Canticle of the Creatures expresses a joyful gratitude for the beauty of God’s creation. This Franciscan spirit continues to inspire Catholics today, especially through our call to be good stewards of the earth.
Pope Francis drew deeply from this spirituality in his encyclical Laudato Si’, reminding us that care for creation is inseparable from care for one another. When we protect the environment, plant gardens, preserve habitats, and care for animals, we participate in God’s ongoing work of creation. Even small acts of stewardship can make a meaningful difference.
Here at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, we are blessed to put this spirit into practice. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we created a pollinator habitat to help provide a home for butterflies, bees, and other essential creatures. The World Wildlife Federation recently reported a 64% increase in monarch butterfly numbers, offering a hopeful reminder of what can happen when people make room for nature to flourish. While the monarch population continues to face challenges, efforts to establish pollinator habitats—like the one here at the Cathedral—are an important part of creating a healthier environment for these remarkable creatures.
And what better way to celebrate St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology, than by blessing the beloved pets who bring so much joy into our lives?
Please join us for the Cathedral’s annual Pet Blessing at 2 PM today, on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4! The blessing will take place at our Holy Paws Dog Park (across from our pollinator habitat) and will be presided at by the former Provincial of the Franciscan Order, Fr. Mark Soehner. Fr. Mark is doing this as a favor since I am flying in from my niece’s wedding at that exact time. Bring your dogs, cats, and other well-behaved and safely restrained house pets as we gather in prayer, gratitude, and Franciscan joy.
Whether you come with a furry friend or simply a grateful heart, all are welcome. Take a stroll through our pollinator habitat too. May St. Francis inspire us to recognize the goodness of God in every creature, to care for our common home, and to live with greater reverence for the beautiful world entrusted to us!
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.