Blessing the Animals

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

any Christians believe that being part of God's creation isn't mutually exclusive to humans. That aspect of faith was made evident by the ceremony held last Sunday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

Reverand Christian Rabone, Rector of St. Mary's, officiated the Blessing of the Animals service.

The event was held in the beautiful Bennett Garden at the church's location on the crest of the hill on Goliad Street.

Performed annually at the church during the feast of St. Francis of Assissi, this service is open to all animals in the community.

Any species, pets or livestock, large or small, furry, feathered or scaly are welcome to receive a blessing.

“It's open to everyone in the community,” said Rabone, and explained, “You don't have to be a member of the church to bring your pets.”

More than 20 people and their pets attended the ecumenical ceremony including a variety of dogs, large and small, sweet and snappy, but lovable nonetheless.

Also in attendance were one very displeased cat, a hamster, the ashes of a very loved and much missed Labrador retriever; and the star of the show, a beautiful chestnut mare.

An abbreviated lesson from Genesis 1:1-34, the Prayer of St. Francis and a lesson from Matthew 11:25-30 preceded the blessing of the animals.

Each pet was approached and blessed affectionately by Rabone and most were receptive and appreciated the attention.

Although most pets are tended to in person, they don't have to present to receive the blessing.

Pet owners can bring photos to be blessed by proxy.

The ancient annual ceremony is held worldwide and recognized by a variety of religions, including most forms of Christianity, Judaism, Islam,

Shintoism and Unitarian Universalism.

“We celebrate on an annual basis 'The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi'" Blessing of the Animals on the first Sunday of October,” Rabone expplained and added, “No other saint is more closely associated with animals than St. Francis of Assisi. We believe as Christians that all animals are God's creatures, and part of God's creation.”

While there were animals aplenty, the reverend hopes for more in the years to come.

“I would love to have the entire parking lot full of animals.”

A closing prayer giving thanks for the gift of our pets ended the meeting and asked that, “We may be good to our pets always, so that they may be happy also. Help us always to take care of them so that they will be healthy.”

St. Mary's Episcopal Church services are Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. with fellowship following.

Wednesdays: Children's Church at 4:45 p.m., Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m.

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