As of Friday, March 15, 2013
© Copyright 2013
Gwinnett Daily Post
I was delighted to learn that the newly elected pope chose for himself the name of St. Francis of Assisi, generally known as patron saint of the animals. Indeed, Catholic and Anglican churches hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of Oct. 4.
On one of his nature walks, Francis reportedly preached to the birds and is often portrayed with a bird in his hand. On another occasion, Francis concluded a pact with a ferocious wolf that was terrorizing local townsfolk, whereby the wolf would quit preying on the town's sheep in exchange for being fed regularly. He even persuaded local dogs to stop harassing the wolf. He freed a rabbit from a trap, returned caught fish to their stream, and fed half-frozen bees in winter time.
I hope that Pope Francis will inspire Catholics and all persons of goodwill to show non-human animals the respect and compassion they so richly deserve, particularly when it comes to subsidizing their abuse and slaughter for food at the checkout counter. Joining the meatless Mondays trend may be a good start.
-- Charlie Mark
Lawrenceville
More like this story
- Argentina's Bergoglio elected, chooses Pope Francis as name ( March 13, 2013 )
- New pope must deal with divided church in US ( March 13, 2013 )
- Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI to resign this month ( February 11, 2013 )
- Simpler inauguration planned for a more modest pope ( March 19, 2013 )
- Richard Kammerer ( October 29, 2006 )
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