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              Affection of the Mother
              Hen   | 
            
         "This
        species [the hen] has the greatest affection for its brood, insomuch
        that when they are sick the mother sickens also; and what you will
        hardly find in any other animal, it will fight against the kite,
        protecting its young with its wings." (St. Augustine, Doctor of
        the Church)  
        Also
        See: Love
        of the Crow for its Young 
        
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              All Creatures Are
              Ordered to God   | 
            
         "All
        things deriving from God are ordered to one another and to him. And that
        is what makes the unity of the world." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor
        of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") "Since
        therefore God is outside the whole order of creation, and all creatures
        are ordered to Him, and not conversely, it is manifest that creatures
        are really related to God Himself; whereas in God there is no real
        relation to creatures, but a relation only in idea, inasmuch as
        creatures are referred to Him." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the
        Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Presence in All Things 
        
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              All
              Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God  | 
            
               "Let the heavens and the earth sing praise, the seas and
              whatever moves in them!" (Ps. 69:35) 
              "Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;  let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them.
              Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the LORD who comes,  who comes to govern the earth,
              To govern the world with justice  and the peoples with faithfulness."
              (Ps. 96:11-13) 
         "Let
        the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell there.
        Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy,
        Before the LORD who comes, who comes to govern the earth, To govern the
        world with justice and the peoples with fairness." (Ps. 98:7-9) 
              "Praise the LORD from the
              earth, you sea monsters and all deep waters; You lightning and
              hail, snow and clouds, storm winds that fulfill his command; You
              mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; You animals
              wild and tame, you creatures that crawl and fly; You kings of the
              earth and all peoples, princes and all who govern on earth; Young
              men and women too, old and young alike. Let them all praise the
              LORD'S name, for his name alone is exalted, majestic above earth
              and heaven." (Ps. 148:7-13) 
              "Let everything that has breath  give praise to the LORD!
              Hallelujah!" (Ps. 150:6) 
              "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the
              end of the earth: Let the sea and what fills it resound, the
              coastlands, and those who dwell in them." (Isa. 42:10) 
              "Let the earth bless the
              Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. Mountains and
              hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all
              forever. Everything growing from the earth, bless the
              Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. You springs,
              bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Seas
              and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all
              forever. You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the
              Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you birds
              of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all
              forever. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the
              Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever." (Taken
              from Dan. 3:74-81) 
        Also
        See: To
                    Love God is Natural to Every Nature | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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              All
              Creatures Created / Sustained by God  | 
            
         Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic
         
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              Animals Belong to God 
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
         "The LORD spoke to Moses and said,
        'Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb among the Israelites, both of man and beast, for it belongs to
        me." (Ex. 13:1-2) 
        "When the LORD, your God, has brought you into the land of the Canaanites, which he swore to you and your fathers he would give you, you shall dedicate to the LORD every son that opens the womb;
              and all the male firstlings of your animals shall belong to the LORD."
        (Ex. 13:11-22) 
        "The LORD said to Moses,
        'It is I who have chosen the Levites from the Israelites in place of every first-born that opens the womb among the Israelites. The Levites, therefore, are mine,
              because every first-born is mine. When I slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, I made all the first-born in Israel sacred to me, both of man and of beast. They belong to me; I am the
        LORD.'" (Num. 3:11-13) 
        
              "Indeed, all the first-born among the
              Israelites, both of man and of beast, belong to me; I consecrated
              them to myself on the day I slew all the first-born in the land of
              Egypt." (Num. 8:17) "For every animal of the
              forest is mine, beasts by the thousands on my mountains. I know
              every bird of the heavens; the creatures of the field belong to
              me." (Ps. 50:10-11) 
        Also
        See: All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | Love
        of God's Creatures | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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              Animals Merit
              Respect & Love  
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
         "[Animals are] fruit of the creative action of
        the Holy Spirit and merit respect" (Pope John Paul II) 
        
        "[A]nimals possess a soul and men must love and feel
        solidarity with our smaller brethren" (Pope John Paul II) Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Care
        of Animals (Scripture) | Creation
        Teaches Us / Reminds Us About God | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Presence in All Things | Love
        of God's Creatures | Creatures
        / Creation (Misc.) | Animals
                    in Church History | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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              Biblical
              Foretellings of Future Happiness Which Include Creatures  | 
            
               "But a shoot shall sprout
              from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall
              blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit
              of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of
              strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and
              his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance
              shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall
              judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's
              afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his
              mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the
              wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and
              faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest
              of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The
              calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little
              child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,
              together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like
              the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child
              lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin
              on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with
              knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea." (Isa. 11:1-9) 
              "Lo, I am about to create
              new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past
              shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall
              always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For
              I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a
              delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my
              people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard
              there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in
              it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who
              does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth
              who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a
              hundred shall be thought accursed. They shall live in the houses
              they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant;
              They shall not build houses for others to live in, or plant
              for others to eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my
              people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the produce
              of their hands. They shall not toil in vain, nor beget
              children for sudden destruction; For a race blessed by the
              LORD are they and their offspring. Before they call, I will
              answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hearken to them.
              The wolf and the lamb shall graze alike, and the lion shall
              eat hay like the ox (but the serpent's food shall be
              dust). None shall hurt or destroy on all my holy
              mountain, says the LORD." (Isa. 65:17-25) 
              "I will make a covenant
              for them on that day, with the beasts of the field, With
              the birds of the air, and with the things that crawl on the
              ground. Bow and sword and war I will destroy from the
              land, and I will let them take their rest in security. I will
              espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in
              justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in
              fidelity, and you shall know the LORD." (Hosea 2:20-22) 
              "For creation awaits with
              eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for
              creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but
              because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself
              would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the
              glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation
              is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but
              we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also
              groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of
              our bodies." (Rom. 8:19-23) 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Christ's
        Second Coming / Harmony Among Animals | Creation
        & The Fall of Man / Redemption | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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              Care of Animals
              (Scripture)  
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
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              passages out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or
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              responsible for any interpretation / misinterpretation,
              application / misapplication, use / misuse, etc. of Scripture.
               
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         "When
        you come upon your enemy's ox or ass going astray, see to it that it is
        returned to him. When you notice the ass of one who hates you lying
        prostrate under its burden, by no means desert him; help him, rather, to
        raise it up." (Ex. 23:4-5) 
              "You shall not see your
              kinsman's ass or ox foundering on the road without showing concern
              about it; see to it that you help him lift it up." (Deut.
              22:4) 
              "The just man takes care of his beast,
              but the heart of the wicked is merciless." (Prov. 12:10) "Then [Jesus] said to
              them, 'Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
              would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?'" (Lk. 14:5) 
        [Jesus said:]
        "What
              man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would
              not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one
              until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his
              shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls
              together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with
              me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the
              same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
              repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of
        repentance." (Lk. 15:4-7) 
              [Jesus said,]
              "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for
              the sheep." (Taken from Jn. 10:11) 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God
        | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God
        | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Creation
        Teaches Us / Reminds Us About God | Every
                    Being is Good
        | God's
        Love & Care for Creation
        | God's
        Presence in All Things | Love
        of God's Creatures | Prayers
                    for Animals
        | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers"   
        
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              Christ's Second Coming / Harmony Among Animals 
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
         "As
        to the union, harmony, and peace among the various animals which are by
        nature mutually inimical and hostile, the elders say that
        it will really be so, when Christ comes again to be King over all."
        [St. Irenaeus (a disciple of St. Polycarp, a hearer of St. John the
        Apostle), circa 190-200 A.D.]  
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Biblical
        Foretellings of Future Happiness Which Include Creatures | Creation
        & The Fall of Man / Redemption | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers"   
        
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              Creation & The Fall of Man / Redemption  | 
            
         "For
        creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of
        God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord
        but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself
        would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious
        freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in
        labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who
        have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we
        wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies." (Rom. 8:19-23) 
        "...[in]
        irrational animals...there is not the stain of original sin." (St.
        Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in
        the history of the Church") 
        "Since
        God 'wishes all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the
        truth,' the Redemption includes all humanity and in a certain way all of
        creation." (Pope John Paul II, 1986 A.D.) 
        "And animals share in Christ's redemption of all
        God's creation." [Book of Blessings (approved by the USCCB &
        confirmed by the Apostolic See)] 
        "[T]he
        nurse who has brought up the king's son; when he succeeds to his
        father's kingdom, she too is made all the better off... It is much the
        same with all men; when a son of theirs is to appear in the splendor of
        some new dignity, they let this very servants wear richer suits. So will
        God vest in incorruption every creature when the day of the deliverance
        and glory of His children shall come." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor
        of the Church) 
        "The
        Canticle, in which the three children, in the fiery furnace of Babylon,
        bid all creatures of God to bless his name, is sung by the Church in the
        Lauds of every great feast. It gives a voice to all creatures, and
        invites the whole universe to bless its divine author. How just it is,
        that on this day [that is, Easter] heaven and earth should unite in
        giving glory to the great God, who, by his Death and Resurrection,
        repairs the injury done to them by sin!" (Gueranger) 
        "Moreover,
        nothing in creation had erred from the path of God's purpose for it,
        save only man. Sun, moon, heaven, stars, water, air, none of these had
        swerved from their order, but, knowing the Word as their Maker and their
        King, remained as they were made. Men alone having rejected what is
        good, have invented nothings instead of the truth, and have ascribed the
        honor due to God and the knowledge concerning Him to demons and men in
        the form of stones." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church) 
        "Christmas
        gave us a Man-God; three days have scarcely passed since we witnessed
        his infinitely precious Blood shed for our ransom; but now, on the day
        of Easter, our Jesus is no longer the victim of death: He is a
        conqueror, who destroys death, the child of sin, and proclaims life, the
        undying life which he has purchased for us. The humiliation of his
        swathing-bands, the sufferings of his agony and cross, these are passed;
        all is now glory - glory for himself, and glory also for us. On the day
        of Easter, God regains, by the Resurrection of the Man-God, his creation
        such as he made it in the beginning; the only vestige now left of death
        is sin, the likeness of which the Lamb of God deigned to take upon
        himself." (Gueranger) 
        Also
        See: Biblical
        Foretellings of Future Happiness Which Include Creatures | Christ's
        Second Coming / Harmony Among Animals | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
        'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below. 
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              Creation
              Teaches Us / Reminds Us About God  | 
            
       
               "For from the greatness and the beauty
              of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen."
        (Wisdom 13:5) "Creation
        itself and its continuance and its government proclaim the greatness of
        the Divine Nature." (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, circa 8th century A.D.) 
        "[C]reation, as if in written characters and by means of its order
        and harmony, declares in a loud voice its own Master and Creator"
        (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church)
         
        "The
        songs of birds and the sound of music should remind us of the eternal
        and ever new canticle of Heaven." (St. Anthony Mary Claret) 
        "In
        all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all
        things give Him thanks." (St. Teresa of Jesus, Doctor of the Church) 
        "If
        things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty
        must be the One who made them! The wisdom of the worker is apparent in
        His handiwork." (St. Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church) 
        "For each of these [His creatures or
        elements of His creation], by which He speaks, declares that it leads us
        to the knowledge of God, that it makes us know the Master better."
        (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, circa 4th century A.D.) 
        "Since,
        as the Apostle says, 'His eternal power and divinity are clearly seen,
        understood through the creation of the world' all creation, therefore,
        and above all, as the Scripture says, the orderly arrangement in the
        heavens demonstrates the wisdom of the Creator through the skill
        displayed in His works." (St. Gregory of Nyssa, circa 380 A.D.) 
        "Distinction
        and variety in the world is intended by the First Cause. God brings
        things into existence in order that His goodness may be communicated and
        manifested. One solitary creature would not suffice. Therefore He makes
        creatures many and diverse, that what is wanting in one may be supplied
        by another." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and
        "greatest theologian in the history of the Church", Summa Theologica)  
        "For
        God, being good and loving to mankind, and caring for the souls which He
        made, since He is by nature invisible and incomprehensible, and since
        His existence transcends that of every created being, on which account
        the human race, made out of nothing while He is not made at all, was
        unlikely to reach a knowledge of Him, - for this reason God, by his own
        Word, gave to creation such order as is found therein, so that while He
        is by nature invisible, men might yet be able to know Him through His
        works." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church) 
        "Ask
        the world, the beauty of the heavens, the splendor and arrangement of
        the stars; the sun that suffices for the day; the moon, the comfort of
        the night; ask the earth, fruitful in herbs and tress, full of animals,
        adorned with men; ask the sea, filled with so many swimming creatures of
        every kind; ask the air, replete with so many flying creatures. Ask them
        all, and see if they do not, as if in a language of their own, answer
        you: 'God made us.' Noble philosophers too have sought these things, and
        have recognized the Artisan by the art." (St. Augustine, Doctor of
        the Church, circa 5th
        century A.D.) 
        "Creatures
        of themselves do not withdraw us from God, but lead us to Him; for 'the invisible things of God are clearly seen, being understood by
        the things that are made' (Romans 1:20). If, then, they withdraw
        men from God, it is the fault of those who use them foolishly. Thus it
        is said (Wisdom 14:11): 'Creatures are turned into a snare to the
        feet of the unwise.' And the very fact that they can thus withdraw
        us from God proves that they came from Him, for they cannot lead the
        foolish away from God except by the allurements of some good that they
        have from Him." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and
        "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
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              Every Being is Good   | 
            
         "And so it happened. God looked at
              everything he had made, and he found it very good. Evening came,
              and morning followed - the sixth day." (Taken from Gen.
        1:30-31) 
        "Every
        being that is not God, is God's creature. Now every creature of God is
        Good (1 Tm. 4:4), and God is the greatest good. Therefore every being is
        good." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the
        Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")  
        "[A]ll
        existing things, in so far as they exist, are good, since the existence
        of a thing is itself a good" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the
        Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Creation
        Teaches Us / Reminds Us About God | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
        Note:
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        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
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              Excerpts
              From St. Anthony
              of Padua's Sermon to the Fish  
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
         "My brothers the fishes, you are
        bound, as much as is in your power, to return thanks to your Creator,
        who has given you so noble an element for your dwelling... you have many places of refuge
        from the tempest; you have likewise a pure and transparent element for
        your nourishment. God, your bountiful and kind Creator, when he made
        you, ordered you to increase and multiply, and gave you his blessing. In
        the universal deluge, all other creatures perished; you alone did God
        preserve from all harm. He has given you fins to enable you to go where
        you will. To you was it granted, according to the commandment of God, to
        keep the prophet Jonas, and after three days to throw him safe and sound
        on dry land. You it was who gave the tribute-money to our Savior Jesus
        Christ, when, through his poverty, he had not wherewith to pay... Because of all these things
        you are bound to praise and bless the Lord, who has given you blessings
        so many and so much greater than to other creatures." [Note: After
        this sermon, the fish were sent away "happy and rejoicing".] 
        (St. Anthony
        of Padua, Doctor of the Church)  
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Saints
                    & Animals | Animals
                    in Church History | St.
                    Francis of Assisi to the Chattering Birds | St.
        Francis of Assisi's Sermon to the Birds 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
        'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below. 
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        | Scripture: A-Z |
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        | Help  | 
           
          
            | 
               
              God's Love &
              Care for Creation 
              
            Also See:
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
               "For you love all things
              that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what
              you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing
              remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not
              been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because
              they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your
              imperishable spirit is in all things!" (Wisdom 11:24-26, 12:1) 
        [Jesus
              said:] "Are not two sparrows
              sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground
              without your Father's knowledge." (Mt. 10:29) 
        [Jesus
              said:] "Are not five sparrows
              sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the
              notice of God." (Lk. 12:6) 
        "God
        loves all things that He has made" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the
        Church) 
        "[Animals are] as near to God as men are"
        (Pope John Paul II) "Although
        creatures have not existed from eternity, except in God, yet because
        they have been in Him from eternity, God has known them eternally in
        their proper natures; and for that reason has loved them, even as we, by
        the images of things within us, know things existing in
        themselves." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and
        "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Creation
        & The Fall of Man / Redemption | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Presence in All Things | To
                    Love God is Natural to Every Nature | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
        'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below. 
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        | Scripture: A-Z |
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        | Help  | 
           
          
            | 
               
              God's Presence in All Things  | 
            
               "For
              you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have
              made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how
              could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had
              it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because
              they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable
              spirit is in all things!" (Wisdom 11:24-26,12:1) 
              "Those who go down to the
              sea tell part of its story, and when we hear them we are
              thunderstruck; In it are his creatures, stupendous,
              amazing, all kinds of life, and the monsters of the deep. For
              him each messenger succeeds, and at his bidding accomplishes
              his will. More than this we need not add; let the last word
              be, he is all in all! Let us praise him the more, since we cannot
              fathom him, for greater is he than all his works" (Sirach
              43:25-29) 
        "God
        is in all things; not, indeed, as part of their essence, nor as an
        accident; but as an agent is present to that upon which it works."
        (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian
        in the history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Love & Care for Creation | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
        'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below. 
        Top |
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        | Scripture: A-Z |
        Catg.
        | Help  | 
           
          
            | 
               
              Love of God's Creatures  | 
            
         "Whosoever
        loves God aright loves all God's creatures." (St. Bernard of
        Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church) 
        "For
        he who loves God, loves also His creature; but the chief of His
        creatures is man" (St. Theophylact) 
        "This
        devotedness to God, which results from the gift of godliness, and unites
        the soul to her Creator by filial love, makes her love all God's
        creatures, inasmuch as they are the work of His hands, and belong to
        Him." (Gueranger) 
        Also
        See: Animals
        Merit Respect & Love | Care
        of Animals (Scripture) | Creation
        Teaches Us / Reminds Us About God | Every
                    Being is Good | God's
        Presence in All Things | Prayers
                    for Animals | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers" | St.
                    Francis on Animals / Creatures 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
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            | 
               
              
              Love of the Crow for its Young  | 
            
         "The
        love of the crow for its young is laudable! When they begin to fly, she
        follows them, gives them food, and for a very long time provides for
        their nourishment." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church) 
        Also
        See: Affection
                    of the Mother Hen 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
        'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below. 
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        | Scripture: A-Z |
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            | 
               
              Saints & Animals 
              
            Also See:
              Saints (Topic Page) 
              |
              Animals 
              / Pets (Topic Page) 
             | 
            
         "Que me amat, amat et canem meum"
        ["Love me, love
        my dog"] (St.
        Bernard) 
        "Alas! The very serpents listen to
        me, and
        men refuse to hear me." (St.
        Martin of Tours) 
        "Blessed
        be the eternal God, for fish in water honor him more than heretics, and
        creatures without reason hear his word better than infidels!" (St.
        Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church, after preaching to the fish) 
        "The
        Apostles, those Lights placed by the hand of Jesus himself upon the
        candlestick of the Church, died out by martyrdom one after the other,
        leaving St. John the sole survivor of the Twelve. His white hair, as the
        early Fathers tells us, was encircled with a thin plate of gold, the
        mark of episcopal dignity; the Churches treasured up the words which
        fell from his inspired lips, and considered them as their rule of Faith;
        and his prophecy of Patmos the Apocalypse, proves that the future of the
        Church was also revealed to him. Notwithstanding all this, John was
        humble and simple, like the Divine Infant of Bethlehem; and one cannot
        read without emotion what the early writers tell us of him, how he was
        often seen fondling a pet bird in his venerable hands." (Gueranger) 
        Also
        See: Animals
                    in Church History | Excerpts
        From St.
        Anthony of Padua's Sermon to the Fish | St.
                    Francis of Assisi to the Chattering Birds | St.
        Francis of Assisi's Sermon to the Birds | St.
                    Francis on Animals / Creatures 
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
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            | 
               
              To Love God is
              Natural to Every Nature  | 
            
         "[N]ature
        cannot rise to an act exceeding the proportion of its strength. Now to
        love God above all things is not such an act; for it is natural to every
        creature" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and
        "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") 
         
        "Now
        to love God above all things is natural to man and to every nature, not
        only rational but irrational, and even to inanimate nature according to
        the manner of love which can belong to each creature. And the reason of
        this is that it is natural to all to seek and love things according as
        they are naturally fit (to be sought and loved) since 'all things
        act according as they are naturally fit' as stated in De Physica
        ii,8. Now it is manifest that the good of the part is for the good of
        the whole; hence everything, by its natural appetite and love, loves its
        own proper good on account of the common good of the whole universe,
        which is God. Hence Dionysius says (De Divinis Nominibus iv) that 'God leads everything to love of Himself.'" (St. Thomas
        Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the
        history of the Church") 
        Also
        See: All
                    Creatures Are Ordered to God | All
                    Creatures Called to Rejoice & Praise God | All
        Creatures Created / Sustained by God | Animals
        Belong to God | God's
        Presence in All Things | "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers"
         
        
        Note:
        Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related
        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
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        | Scripture: A-Z |
        Catg.
        | Help  | 
           
          
            | 
               
              Creatures / Creation
              (Misc.)    | 
            
         Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic
         
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        to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more
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            | 
               
              Also See...  | 
            
                   
                    Animals
                    / Pets (Topic Page) Animals
                    in Church History Prayers
                    for Animals Prayers
                    of St. Francis of Assisi  "Scripture
                    for Animal Lovers"
                     St.
                    Francis of Assisi to the Chattering Birds St.
        Francis of Assisi's Sermon to the Birds St.
                    Francis on Animals / Creatures  | 
           
           
          
       
              
               
                
              
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