The Humane Society of the United States Celebrates Patron Saint of ...

August?23,?2012

Materials for religious communities highlight compassion for animals

For the fourth consecutive year, The Humane Society of the United States is offering a multimedia package of resources to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. While the official Saint Francis feast day is Oct. 4, faith communities nationwide hold pet blessings and other events throughout the fall to honor the saint?s devotion to God's creation.

?As part of our call to care for God?s creation, animal welfare raises important questions for the 21st century church,? said Christine Gutleben, director of The HSUS? Faith Outreach program. ?St. Francis Day in a Box! is a year-round tool kit for exploring our responsibilities toward animals and the numerous related concerns that present both moral challenges and opportunities to faith communities.?

St. Francis Day in a Box! includes materials to promote small group discussion, Sunday school projects and film screenings. The kit includes:?

• "Great Dog Stories: Inspiration and Humor from Our Canine Companions" by M.R. Wells, Kris Young and Connie Fleishauer
• "Purr-ables from Heaven: Inspirational Stories for Cat Lovers" by M.R. Wells, Connie Fleishauer and Dottie P. Adams
• "Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet" by Jonathan Merritt
• "Animal Protection Ministries: A Guide for Churches? by The HSUS
• "St. Francis: A Short Biography" by Franciscan Media
• "Eating Mercifully," a documentary made by The HSUS
• "Live Simply: Ethical Eating" booklet by Franciscan Media
• "C.S. Lewis as Advocate for Animals" by Gerald Root, Ph.D.
• "A Religious Case for Compassion for Animals" by Matthew Scully
• A colorful HSUS Faith Outreach program button

The box costs $15 and can be purchased online or by check. For more information, visit humanesociety.org/faith.

Media Contact: Anna West, awest@humanesociety.org, 240-751-2669

Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2012/08/patron_saint_of_animals_082312.html

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