To Perceive Animals As God's Gifts

Heavenly Father, Creator of all, You shaped the world to meet our needs and guide us towards You. Through our own failings, we have forfeited the beautiful bond we once shared with Your entire creation. Assist us in understanding that by mending our relationship with You, we can also heal our connection with all that You have made. Grant us the grace to recognize all creatures as Your gifts and to honor them with the respect they deserve, for they too are Your handiwork. We lift up in prayer all animals who are in pain due to our indifference. May the harmony You initially set in place be restored across the earth by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the prayers of St. Francis, and through the grace of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with You now and forever.Amen.