St. Hubert, an eighth-century French bishop, is the patron saint of hunters. He turned his life over to Christ after seeing a vision of a crucifix between the antlers of a deer while hunting. Each fall, for the past 35 years, St. Hubert Parish in Rosiere, turns to its patron saint, asking for protection of all hunters as well as the rifles and bows used in their hunt.continue at The Compass(special Mass times for hunters as well)
During a Mass Nov. 3, Deacon Paul Zenefski, parish director, offered a blessing for hunters and their weapons. Hunters were asked to bring their rifles and bows to church and place them on a special rack erected near the front pew.
"Dear Lord, we ask your blessing on these hunters and on their weapons," said Deacon Zenefski during the blessing, which followed his homily. "Bless these weapons that they will perform correctly, accurately and without mishap. Especially, we ask your blessing on these hunters."
He asked that God keep the hunters safe, that they be given patience and that they have a steady and accurate aim.
"Help them enjoy and appreciate the gift of your creation — both in the game you provide and in the beauty of nature," Deacon Zenefski added.
Is there a blessing like this in the traditional book of blessings? I'd email Fr. Z but he's off on Roman escapades.
4 comments:
BLESSING OF ANYTHING
This form may be used by any priest for the blessing of anything that does not have its own special blessing in the Roman Ritual.
P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Let us pray.
God, whose word suffices to make all things holy, pour out your blessing on this object (these objects); and grant that anyone who uses it (them) with grateful heart and in keeping with your law and will, may receive from you, its (their) Maker, health in body and protection of soul by calling on your holy name; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
It (they) is (are) sprinkled with holy water.
Thanks!
I take it there is no special blessing for weapons then.
I don't believe so. It would be at the link if there was one in the old Rituale Romanum:
http://www.sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/54-blessings-of-things-designated-for-ordinary-use.html
There are, however, blessings for beer, cheese, butter, lard, oil, fishing boats (including a solemn form! LOL!), telegraphs, electric dynamos, and **mobile tv film units**.
But no specific blessing for guns.
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