Welcome back, friends! In this episode, our minister and team leader Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White concludes our Season of Creation preaching series, at our beautifully chaotic intergenerational Blessing of the Animals service, reflecting on the ministry of St Francis of Assisi, particularly among non-human creatures. This sermon was delivered on the 27th September 2026 at the 10am service. Read the reading here: "Stories of Francis and animals were recorded by Thomas of Celano during the 12th-13th century. Here is an example of a Thomas of Celano story: "Francis was no stranger to walking great distances to share the Good news. One story tells us that Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not. Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.” At this, the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic. It has been said that the brothers who journeyed with him stood in amazement. Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way. Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals." Theme music by Anthony Tam. Find more of Anthony’s music here. soundcloud.com/amfomy Visit our Facebook page or find us via our website. https://www.facebook.com/LeichhardtUC https://www.leichhardtuniting.org.au/
