PI CATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - More than 20 pets including dogs, cats, bees, a parrot, and a gecko, were all blessed on Oct. 1 during the Saint Francis Pet Blessing Ceremony at Picatinny Arsenal.
Former U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal Chaplain Father Stan Jasiurkowski visited the installation and performed the blessing.
The ceremony, which was open to all religious denominations, was held outside the installation’s Olde Forge chapel and hosted by the Picatinny Arsenal Religious Support Office.
The Blessing of the Pets is usually held on or about the feast day (Oct. 4) for St. Francis of Assisi in Catholic parishes around the world. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures, according to americancatholic.org.
St. Francis, born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181, is the patron saint of animals, archaeologists, ecology, Italy, merchants, messengers and metal workers.
According to the Catholic religion, the blessing of animals’ tradition began with St. Francis' love for animals and the environment making him a friend and protector to them.
“Blessed are you, Lord God, who made every living thing with which the water teems, and every winged bird, the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, and called it all 'good,'” Jasiurkowski said during the blessing.
“Thank you for these pets and all animals, for their lives that come from you, and for the love and joy they bring. Please bless these companions and let our loving care for them be a reflection of your loving nature. We praise you for all your beauty in creation, and especially for this expression of your love. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. May the blessing of Almighty God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit descent upon you and remain with you forever. People: Amen.”
Jasiurkowski is currently the Chief, Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care, at Ft. Liberty in North Carolina.
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