A lot of fortunate animals received blessings in the last few weeks.

When my church began holding blessing of the animals services in 2004, we were one of very few, if not the only local church, to perform this special service in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

This year, I saw notices for at least 10 such services at Lehigh Valley religious institutions. I am elated.

From the beginning, I not only helped our (now deceased) pastor design the service, I also became immersed in the program through my music.

Because I play the baroque recorder, which is a bit easier to transport outdoors than an organ or a piano, I always provide the nature-inspired hymns during the service.

In addition, my rap song, “Animal Rap,” recorded in 2005, is a message from the animal kingdom to humankind, and has been performed at every animal blessing service at our church for the past 12 years.

I translate for the animals, rapping their lyrics and rocking the churchyard.

Over the years, our pastors have bestowed blessings on every imaginable creature: white rat, duck, iguana, gigantic rabbit, parrot, chickens, guinea pig, squirrels, turtle, fish, and an array of cats and dogs, including several rescued greyhounds which used to race.

Without a doubt, this is a fun service, but it’s also filled with meaning.

“Why bless animals?” a neighbor asked me recently.

We’ll let the animals respond.

In the opening lines of “Animal Rap,” they announce:

“We are creatures of God and we share your earth/

We’ve got the Lord’s blessing/He gave us birth/

He saved us all in a wooden ark/

So we could live free in forest and park…”

The simple answer to my neighbor’s question is: Because we share a kinship with all God’s creatures.

From a religious viewpoint, the Bible is full of references to animals and their importance.

Rather than deliver a sermon on the topic, I will cite just a few probably-familiar references to animals in Biblical text.

Animals were saved from the flood and made part of the covenant with Noah.

A giant fish saved Jonah.

Ravens brought bread to Elijah.

Animals are mentioned in the 10th commandment.

Animals were in the stable when Jesus was born.

Mary rode a burro into Egypt and Jesus rode one into Jerusalem.

Many, many more examples can be found, showing how God often used the service of animals or made them symbolic reminders of the gifts of salvation.

Since creation, animals share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life.

From a practical viewpoint, animals enhance our lives and impart blessings on the humans who love them.

Pet owners, for example, have been found to be healthier, happier and even better adjusted and more sociable than people without animals in their lives, according to research studies.

In several ways pets help the humans who open their hearts and homes to animals.

These creatures often serve as icebreakers, opening doors to communications that might not occur otherwise.

Interacting with animals can minimize stress, lower blood pressure and combat depression.

Pets serve as faithful companions, offering loyalty and unconditional love.

Having a pet or even having wildlife in the backyard can make a person feel needed and valued. As we feed and provide care for these critters, we realize an ongoing sense of responsibility and a reason to get up each morning.

And animals are a wonderful distraction from the world’s problems. They make us smile. They relieve tension.

So why not set aside one special day a year to celebrate and bless these wonderful creatures?

After all, animals bless our lives every single day.