Blessing for Animal Welfare Staff and Sanctuaries

This Blessing was adapted by Fr. Simon for the blessing of the Argos Sanctuary in Cyprus. It can however be used by all.  We give our thanks to Professor Reverend Andrew Linzey for his permission to incorporate extracts from his book entitled Animal Rites- Liturgies of Animal Care into the blessing.

Blessing for Animal Welfare Staff and Sanctuaries

Blessed is our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages
Amen

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and God saw everything He made and behold it was very good.

Almighty God we come together to thank you for beauty and the glory of your creation; to praise you and your holiness and grace; to acknowledge our responsibility to animals and for our use of the created world. But, first of all, we pray for your forgiveness for those who take part in sins of thoughtlessness and cruelty towards animal life.

Let us pray with the whole church and in the words of the saints, poets and theologians, for all those who struggle against the abuse of animals and for the strengthening of compassion in our hearts. Give those who work in this sanctuary the strength to continue to rescue and care for your creatures abused by others and to show the right path to all people.

For animals abandoned and abused
Give us new hearts O God
For the animals neglected and ill-treated
Give us new hearts O God
For animals cast out from homes
Give us new hearts O God
For animals hunted to death
Give us new hearts O God
For animals killed for convenience
Give us new hearts O God
For those companion animals who have died after giving us                                              love and the pleasure of their company
Give us new hearts O God

Holy God, your mercies are all over the earth, bless the creatures in this sanctuary and those that care for them and help us delight in the works of your hands.

Blessed before you O God, are those who struggle for peace and justice not only for human beings but for all of Your creatures. Strengthen their endeavours by the power of your Holy Spirit and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon them.

O Creator and author of all things, giver of all spiritual graces and bestower of eternal salvation, send down your Holy Spirit with a blessing from upon high for this animal sanctuary that, fortified by the might of your heavenly protection, it may fulfill its promises to the animals of [Cyprus[ and all who make use of it.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we in turn, send our praises and love both now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Amen