Guest Mutts4Me Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 I just got done watching a special on Animal Planet about the Cathedral of St. John the Divine's annual Feast of St. Francis, where thousands of people from all over the country bring their animals to be blessed. I don't consider myself religious, but I thought that this was such a beautiful event that I'm almost tempted to take Sasha, my mutt, and maybe even Psych, my cancer-beating fish. However, it's tomorrow, so I'll have a year to think about it and make the proper arrangements. Has anyone ever attended this? Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 when we lived is Southport one of the churches did an animal blessing service once a year. I have not been to one. Always meant to go Quote
abker17 Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 At the the Walk for the Animals about a month ago, before we started the walk a minister came and said the blessing of the animals, and said that he was available to bless pets, u just had to call him and make an appiontment. I'd like to have done it, but now I've lost his number. :( Maybe someday though, I definatly think it's a good idea! :D Quote
courtnek Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 They do that here once a year over in Arlington Heights....a suburb of Chicago. I dont know how it got started, but it's a big hit with everyone in the area....The Minister is an ex-Catholic Priest. The story was that the church he belonged to wouldnt let him bless his mother's dog, who was dying, and she wanted to make sure the dog could go to heaven with her. This was many years age, but the church wouldnt let him do it, so he basically quit and became a Minister. He also got married, has kids and pets of his own, and he holds the annual "God's Creatures Blessing" every year.... Apparently the Church has lightened up a little? I would assume St. Francis is a catholic church, but I could be wrong.... Quote
courtnek Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 My mistake, the church is St. John's....sorry... Quote
Guest Mutts4Me Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 The annual blessing of animals is probably this weekend everywhere, because the date is related to St. Francis of Assisi (I'm so sorry if I spelled that wrong), like St. Francis day or something. St. Francis was very involved with animals and believed that they should be treated with the respect that all God's creatures deserve. He apparently tamed a wolf in an effort to show that wolves were of God, too, not the devil. I apologize for any inaccuracies. I'm not religious, but this is what I've kind of picked up about the situation. I think the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City is Episcopalian, which shares a lot of history and tradition with the Catholic church. The Feast of St. Francis there was held today, the 5th, but my local Catholic church held their animal blessings yesterday. If I would've known, I may have gone, but I didn't see the sign until today. I'd really like to go to the one in NYC, though. Any excuse to make it there is good with me, lol :) One of my dreams is to take Sasha through Central Park. And across the Brooklyn Bridge? Would have to, because I'd so have to walk it this time. Quote
ellieangel Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 I think a blessing sevice for pets sounds lovely :) Quote
Sanvean Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 I'm Catholic, and I LOVE pet blessing services! I wish my church had one :( St. Francis is one of my very favorites! You can read more about him here: [url]http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Francis/stories.asp[/url] Another favorite of mine (another animal lover!) is St. Martin de Porres: [url]http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=306[/url] Btw, here is a DIY pet blessing! [url]http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/francis/animal.asp[/url] Quote
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