The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
BLESSING OF OUR ANIMALS
TAKING place on the first Sunday after the Feast Day of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals, Sunday’s ‘Blessing of the Pets’ ceremony at Killarney’s Franciscan Friary was as timely as it was well-received.
The Fair Hill mainstay was a flurry of activity on Sunday for the annual blessing. It was mainly dogs that the owners brought along, although there were also hamsters and a few cats – safely caged away by their owners from their traditional canine rivals. Fr Liam McCarthy even remarked that there was a cow in a trailer by the church gate – although whether the animal was there to be blessed or not was unclear!
Fr McCarthy told The Kerryman that the ceremony traditionally takes place at around 3pm, which has proven an ideal time as it coincides with many owners bringing their dogs for a Sunday walk.
Fr Antony Jukes led the occasion, with assistance from Fr Lars Frendel.
Ahead of the blessing outside the Friary, the Folk Group sang an opening hymn, and there also a St Francis quote recited for the daythatwasinit.
Fr McCarthy referenced the Saint’s strong association with animals, and added that he is also Patron Saint of the Environment. The Italian Saint composed the ‘Canticle of the Sun’, Fr Liam explained, “in praise for all the creatures”, underlining this reputation.
“By my recollection, these blessings have been taking place over the last 10 to 15 years,” Fr McCarthy told The Kerryman.
“It usually takes place on the first Sunday after the Feast of St Francis.
“It has always been very well-attended, and it seems to be growing in attendance year on year.
“St Francis, of course, has a great reputation for his love of animals, and he is also the Patron Saint of the environment, which is, of course, very topical right now.
“A date hasn’t been set yet, but we will also have our blessing for the horses and jarveys at their main gathering point at the Hahah Place in the days ahead, too.”