God created animals and certainly has the power to heal them. Numerous saints over the centuries have been known to interact with animals and at times provide a healing hand. St. Bonaventure, in his life of St. Francis of Assisi, noted that “from a reflection on the primary source of all things, filled with even more abundant piety, he would call creatures, no matter how small, by the name of ‘brother’ or ‘sister.’”
The Church has always had a special love of animals, being part of God’s marvelous creation. We are taught to be good stewards of creation and cultivate instead of dominate.
One way that we can help an animal in need, besides providing it proper medical attention, is to bless an animal with an ancient prayer that the Church has developed. It is found in the older Roman Ritual and is a powerful aid to a beloved animal that requires extra assistance.
So the next time your pets or livestock are in dire straits, invite your priest over to pray this prayer.
The priest, vested in surplice and purple stole, says:
P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: Deal not with us, Lord, as our sins deserve.
All: Nor take vengeance on us for our transgressions.
P: You, O Lord, will save both men and beasts.
All: Just as you, O God, show mercy again and again.
P: You open your hand.
All: And fill every living creature with your blessing.
P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
God, who supplied even dumb animals to lighten man’s toil, we humbly entreat you to preserve these creatures for our use, since without them mankind cannot subsist; through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.
Let us pray.
We humbly entreat your mercy, O Lord, praying that in your name and by the power of your blessing + these animals may be cured of the dire sickness that afflicts them. Let the devil’s power over them be utterly abolished, and do you, Lord, protect their life and health against recurrent sickness; through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.
Let us pray.
Have pity on us, Lord, we beg you, and turn away every scourge from your faithful. Rid our beasts of the dread sickness that is destroying them, so that we who are justly punished when we go astray may feel your gracious mercy when we repent; through Christ our Lord.All: Amen.
They are sprinkled with holy water.
