Residents gather to have pets blessed
By HAWKINS TEAGUE
Staff Writer
Pet owners brought their dogs, cats and even a turtle to St. John's Episcopal Church yesterday afternoon for the annual Blessing of the Animals.
The blessing is held every year to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Rev. Matt Bradley said the feast is always celebrated on Oct. 4, and St. John's usually has its animal blessing the Sunday afterward. St. Francis is the patron saint of many things, but is best remembered for his love of animals. Bradley said that for many people, pets are as important a part of their lives as the rest of their families and he thought it was good that the church acknowledges that.
“The root of the practice (of animal blessing) is the idea that Christ redeems all creation,” he said.
In his short sermon, Bradley made references to stories of the Bible in which animals played key roles. This included the story of Noah and the ark, the Paschal Lamb that reminds one of the Passover sacrifice and deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, the giant fish that that saved Jonah and the ravens that brought bread to Elijah.
Ginny Thomson said it was the 11th annual animal blessing at St. John's. She said it was usually well-attended by both church members and members of the public, partly because it is publicized by the Humane Society and because veterinarians are happy to post flyers about it in their offices. She guessed that about half the people at yesterday's service were not church members.
“People who love their pets would like to bring them to church and God,” Thomson said.
Church member Angela Snodgrass said yesterday was the first time she brought her dogs, Ben and Rosie, to the service, which she described as “lovely.”
“Animals are part of our well-being, aren't they?” she said. “For a dog lover, anyway.”
Jean Lorrah said she and the other pet therapists there were not church members, but brought their therapy animals every year. Lois Ruiz said that people that have to move into nursing or assisted living homes are not allowed to bring their pets with them, so the therapy animals have a calming effect on them. She said the animals seem to be aware that they are helping.
“It's amazing how much these animals know they have a mission,” Ruiz said.
Story created Oct 06, 2008 - 10:37:11 EDT.
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