Looking for a fun Introit for Oct. 3, St. Francis’ Day (Blessing of the Animals)?

The words are by the composer: Praise God, the Father, our Creator!/Bless all of us, He is our maker!/
Bless paw and hoof, burrow and roost;/Bless equine, bovine, canine, feline, Osprey, egret, woodpecker,
Little Blue;/Bless Spot and Puff and Grandma, too. //Praise God, the Father, our Creator!/
Bless all things, even alligator!

Handbells Used: 7

Performance Note
In lieu of a bell choir, the octave “B” handbells may be played by the accompanist, the “F#” by the conductor.
The additional bells on the final chord may be played by the choristers.

Tropical Blessing was written for the 2008 St. Francis’ Day “Blessing of the Animals” service at Calvary United Methodist Church in Lake Worth, Florida, and is dedicated to that congregation.

— USE: St. Francis’ Day services, concerts (as Introit, etc.)

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: easy – for church, high school,
college, community, professional choruses

To order copies of Tropical Blessing, call E.C. Schirmer toll-free: 1-800-777-1919