My Church Is Blessing Animals—Is That Really Catholic?

Description

Your parish announces a Blessing of Animals, and something about it feels a little strange. Is this actually part of Catholic tradition? Yes. The traditional Roman Ritual contains specific blessings for animals, including cattle, horses, sick animals, birds, bees, and other creatures. Catholic tradition has long asked God to protect animals and other parts of creation that serve human life and reflect His providence. EWTN Global Catholic Television Network The modern Church also retains an official Order for the Blessing of Animals in the Book of Blessings. USCCB So blessing an animal is not inherently modernist, pagan, or un-Catholic. But the way it is done matters. A Catholic animal blessing should remain centered upon God the Creator, not become a sentimental celebration that treats pets as equivalent to children or animals as equivalent to human persons. Animals are part of God's creation and should be treated responsibly and humanely. But Catholicism also maintains a real distinction between human beings and animals. So the traditional Catholic response is not to reject animal blessings. It is to recover their proper meaning: God created them. God sustains them. We ask His protection over them. And we give thanks to the Creator for His gifts. Subscribe to Catholic Voices and Prayers for daily Catholic truth, traditional devotions, and clear answers about Catholic tradition. Pray the Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Saint Michael Chaplet, and other powerful Catholic prayers with us right here on the channel.