From a hairless guinea pig to several dogs and even a few llamas behind some portable fencing, there was a wide variety of animals that turned out with their owners for the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday.
Hosted Oct. 5 at Saint Matthias Anglican Church in Oakdale, the early afternoon ceremony was overseen by Reverend John Roberts.
“We do it every year, typically on the Saturday closest to the Feast of Saint Francis, which is on October 4,” Roberts explained.
A grassy courtyard area between the main church building on South First Avenue and a small annex was lined with chairs, many dog owners taking seats and having their pets on leashes in front of them. The llamas were on the opposite side of the courtyard, occasionally watching the proceedings with interest.
A brief preface to the ceremony noted that “Animals are an integral part of God’s plan and creation. They inhabit the skies, the earth and the sea … they have a part in our lives.”
Roberts said Saint Francis recognized the part animals play and how important they are to humans, when he called both wild and tame animals his ‘brothers and sisters.’
“Animals are God’s creatures and they’re really important to humankind in so many ways,” added Roberts. “I know that, here in our community, many people have pets that are just such a blessing to them and a way that God blesses them and, of course, we have livestock as well who help us out in many ways.”
Several hymns were sung during the course of the brief ceremony, prayers offered, Roberts and attendees shared in the responsive readings and prior to the Lord’s prayer and the closing hymn, Reverend Roberts blessed each animal individually, sprinkling a little water on each as he called them by name.
“We just want to take the opportunity to thank God for them and ask His blessing upon them for their health and well-being,” Roberts said of the animals.
He estimated that about half of those attending the ceremony were parishioners of Saint Matthias; others were community members who attended to share in the blessing.
