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Q:Will we be reunited with our pets in heaven ?
(Janice)
Dear Janice:
The Church teaches that the mystery of God will be revealed to us in heaven, and that the 'sight' of God known as the 'beatific vision', will fulfill all our deepest needs and longings, and overwhelm us with the joy of salvation. From this, many theologians conclude that human beings in heaven will have no need of earthly comforts or pleasures, and that because animals have no immortal souls and do not need salvation, their presence in heaven is unlikely.
The Church has made no statements specifically about the presence or absence of animals in heaven, though the late Pope John Paul II spoke frequently about the importance of caring for and respecting all of creation, including animals. Speaking on January 1, 1990 of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, Pope John Paul II stated: "As a friend of the poor who was loved by God's creatures, St. Francis invited all of creation - animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon - to give honour and praise to the Lord...It is my hope that the inspiration of St. Francis will help us to keep ever alive a sense of 'fraternity' with all those good and beautiful things which Almighty God has created."
There are also references in the Catechism (339) to the place of animals in creation, and how each creature possesses 'its own particular beauty and perfection.' St. Paul (Romans 8:19) speaks of how everything involved in the Fall, including the material world, will in some sense be set free by Christ's redemptive act. Also, in the Book of Wisdom ( 1:13-14), we read of how it was not God's intention to will the death of any part of his creation: "For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living. For he created all things, that they might have their being."
So while we cannot say anything definite about a heavenly reunion with our pets, it is not hard to imagine that as we enter into the mystery of God in heaven, we will be led to see how everything fits, so to speak ; how 'each of the various creatures', including a beloved pet, 'reflects in its own way a ray of God's infinite wisdom and goodness.' (339).
God bless,
Father Norbert