For the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi the blessing of animals is observed.
Herewith are two blessings: one for healthy animals and one for sick ones.
Blessing of Animals
V. Our help is the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit. (or use the new form)
Let us Pray.
O God, our refuge and our strength, give ear to the entreaties of Your Church, You are the Source of mercy, and grant that what we seek in faith, we may receive in fact. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us Pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who did assist Saint Antony [and Saint Francis of Assisi] to emerge unscathed from many temptations of this world, grant Your servant to progress in virtue by his illustrious example; and by his merits and intercession, free us from the ever-present dangers of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us Pray.
Let these animals receive Your blessing, + O Lord, to the benefit of their being, and by the intercession of Saint Antony [and Saint Francis], deliver them from all harm. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
They are sprinkled with holy water.
Blessing of Sick Animals
Vested in surplice and purple stole, the priest says:
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. Deal not with us, O Lord, according to our sins.
R. Nor take vengeance upon our transgressions.
V. You, O Lord, shall heal men and animals.
R. For You, O God, do proffer full mercy.
V. You open Your hand.
R. And fill every creature with blessing.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto You.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit. (or use the new form)
Let us Pray.
O God, You give consolation to mankind when afflicted, and even to mute beasts. Wherefore, we suppliantly pray - let these animals not perish, for they are indispensable to our needs. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us Pray.
Your mercy, O Lord, we humbly and perseveringly implore, that these animals afflicted with sever sickness may be cured in Your name and by the power of Your blessing +. Let any effects in them of evil spirits become extinct, lest sickness afflict them again, and You, Lord, are the guardian of their existence and the remedy to health. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for all eternity. Amen.
Let us Pray.
Turn away every scourge from Your servants, we beseech You, Lord, and drive out from these beasts the destroying sickness. For just as You punish us when we deviate from Your paths, so reward us with Your mercy when we correct our evil ways. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
They are sprinkled with holy water.
