“Animals, if you want to bring your humans forward.”
So said Auckland’s St. Matthew-in-the-City priest Linda Murphy on St. Francis of Assisi Day (Oct. 4). The New Zealand service has been taking place for over 20 years, excluding the past two years due to COVID-19. Needless to say, it was a fine turnout. The aisles in the cathedral were almost full as the dogs (and their parents) waited for the blessing to be bestowed upon them.
From Dogs to Donkeys
Of course, dogs were front and center, but all creatures are welcome. “Often we have had a much bigger service, with a wider variety of animals – cats, farm animals, amphibians,” Murphy said, adding that one year a donkey attended the blessing.
This reporter attended a service at St. Paul’s Church in Vancouver years ago, along with my two naughty Jack Russell Terriers. As soon as we entered the church they were good as gold, awestruck. Also in attendance was an RCMP officer with his horse, and at least one guinea pig. The service was lovely – Blessing of the Animals included animals past and present.
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi, the acclaimed Italian Catholic friar, philosopher, mystic, and teacher, founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor and the women’s Order of Saint Clare. And because he loved all creatures and allegedly preached to even the birds, he is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Many congregations worldwide bless pets and other animals as a way to mark Oct. 4 and honor his spirit.
In his lifetime, St. Francis preached that animals were as much God’s creatures as the human race and as such should be protected. The Blessing of the Animals recognizes their place among God’s creations and the importance pets hold in many families.
