Pastoral Ministry for the Blessing of Animals

Abstract

Animals, while accompanying humans in ages, have always performed various functions: from escorting and taking care of them, through nourishment and supplying materials, to religious reasons. In christianity animals were and are a part of the Creation, for which human is thankful to the Creator. They also appear as saints’ attributes, however they are no longer worshiped. Same as the whole world, both animate and inanimate, animals can be blessed to serve humans better on the path to eternal life. The interesting example of the blessing ritual of animals cited in the article is solemn indulgence of St. Roch from Montpellier in Mikstat. Animals are blessed there, but it is not the core of the ceremonial, which is mostly a celebration of the Word and administration of the sacraments, which serves admiration of God and is leading people to salvation. Nowadays, the needs and rights of animals are often raised on a par with humans, which is reflected in attempts to organize funerals, holy masses and other sacraments for animals. This undoubtedly raises serious challenges for theology and pastoral ministry.