Today we honor the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, peacemaker and Patron Saint of Animals who preached the harmony of humans and nature. Around the world, people celebrate by joyfully bringing their (interfaith) dogs, birds, ponies and llamas to church for the Blessing of the Animals, and exalting in the "wonders (that) connect people and animals and God." In this sordid season of rancor, we laud all connection we can find. Job 12: "Ask the birds, ask the beasts and they will teach you." [One need not be religious to see the obvious: one people, one planet, nature knows best.]