The Gentleness of St. Francis – St. Nick’s News Sept. 27, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for September 27, 2025

Dear Friends,

One of the great joys of my life is watching the beauty of the bond between people and their animals. I see it every Sunday at church during our Outdoor Worship of God. As I watch owners and their beloved pets pray and praise together, I am reminded of God’s unconditional love for all creation, for our pets, for all the critters in the world, and most especially for us. Recently, I had the gift of watching my elderly dad with his grand dog, Duchess. It was so sweet and quite moving to watch him summon up his energy, reach down from his cocoon of a chair, and begin to pet her—first scratching her head, then carefully getting behind her ears, and finally working his way down her neck. With each little scritchy-scratch of her fur, you can tell he is making sure she knows she is loved. And Duchess, in her own way, makes sure he knows she loves him too. She won’t leave his side, and he always wonders where she is if he doesn’t hear the sound of her happy panting.

There’s something holy in that exchange—the quiet, steady mutuality of love and care. The warmth and comfort our pets bring into our lives. Our pets are truly a reminder that God’s love is woven into all creation. Our pets teach us faithfulness, joy, and the gift of presence. They remind us, as St. Francis of Assisi taught, that every creature is a reflection of God’s beauty and delight.

One of the most beloved stories about St. Francis of Assisi is the time he preached to the birds.

As the story goes, Francis was traveling with his companions when they came upon a great flock of birds gathered in the trees and on the ground. While others may have hurried past, Francis stopped, filled with joy at the sight of so many of God’s creatures together. He told his friends: “Wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds.”

Walking among them, he lifted his hands and spoke gently:

“My little sisters, you owe much to God, your Creator. He has given you feathers for clothing, wings for flight, and all you need. You neither sow nor reap, and yet God feeds you. Always sing your praises to Him, for He loves you and has given you the sky and the earth to dwell in.”

The birds did not scatter or fly away. Instead, the story says they stretched out their necks, spread their wings, and listened quietly as if they truly understood. When Francis finished, he blessed them, and the birds rose together in song, filling the air with a chorus of praise.

This gentle moment reminds us of Francis’ deep belief that all creation—humans, animals, plants, even the earth itself—shares in God’s love and has its own way of giving praise. It is no wonder that Francis’ feast day has become a time to bless animals, to celebrate God’s creatures big and small, and to remember that we are all part of one family under God.

That’s why I am so excited to invite you to join us for our Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4th, 5:00–7:00 PM at St. Nick’s. We will gather to give thanks for the gift of our pets, to celebrate God’s care for all creatures, and to share a joyful evening together. There will be a special blessing service for pets, a dinner of hamburgers and hotdogs, and activities for pets and their people.

Bring your appropriately contained (leashed, crated, in a pet sling or pet carrier) dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish—or even your child’s beloved stuffed animal! All are welcome to come and be blessed.

Just as Duchess and my dad remind me of God’s unconditional love, I pray that this gathering will remind you of the same: God’s love is always near, tender and steady, meeting us in the joy of our companions.

So invite your friends, neighbors, and family—whether they walk on two legs or four! I hope to see you, and your beloved pets, on October 4th.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+