Short Service Paid Homage To St Francis, The Saint Of Animals

By Shannon Hicks

Bunnies, chickens, and guinea pigs rubbed elbows (beaks?) with dogs, cats, and stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes last Saturday morning when members of Trinity Episcopal Church celebrated the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

About two dozen people participated in a brief Blessing of the Animals service that took place in the playground at the Episcopal church on Main Street.

The majority of those who showed up for the service brought their dogs with them. A poodle, a German shepherd, and a bulldog all checked each other out, and then went on with their business, putting on their best behavior for their owners.

Those who could not bring their animals with them brought photos instead. That is why there were photos of a crab and a guinea pig seen resting on top of crates that held a rooster and a cat, while other folks held on to the photos of their pets. On another crate rested a stuffed pink calico cat, and on another was a stuffed pink and white elephant. One young boy, Adam Bowditch, apparently could not decide which of his creatures would represent his flock, so the young shepherd walked around with an armload of stuffed animals.

The Reverend Kathleen Adams-Shepherd conducted the service. Her prayers and readings included in part a celebration of the “Merciful Creator, [whose] hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature; make us always thankful for your loving providence; make us sensitive and caring instruments of blessings for these pets you have given into our care; make us faithful stewards of all your good gifts…”

Pastor Kathie then around to each person, offering individual blessings to those gathered and their animals. Her prayers offered a blessing to the pet and those who care for them.

A prayer of Thanksgiving followed, with the group praying together, and then the service closed with everyone singing “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

Trinity was one of at least three Newtown churches that hosted Blessings of the Animal events last weekend. St Rose held its annual event at the stable outside St Rose School on Saturday morning, and Newtown United Methodist Church held its celebration on Sunday afternoon.

An outdoor service to celebrate St Francis seems perfect for a Blessing of the Animals, considering the saint’s legendary love of the natural world. At Trinity Church, adults and parents enjoyed the fresh air (as did their pets, of course, without worry of spoiling the church building’s interior), and the children who attended were allowed to run within the area and play on the playground equipment. Their chirping and laughter would have sounded like music to the ears of St Francis.