Blessing God’s creatures

St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of
animals and the ecology.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

HUBBARD — Deacon Robert Friedman of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church invited humans and animals alike to “sing” the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” at the beginning of a pet blessing ceremony Wednesday.

“Some dogs have howled during the song” after being encouraged by their owners, he said. The event took place on the portico of the church at 357 N. Main St.

The pet blessing is a traditional aspect to the celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the ecology. The actual observance is today, and churches in the area hold the pet blessing before, on and shortly after the date.

Deacon Friedman has been conducting the pet blessing since his ordination in 1989. “St. Francis was known for his care of animals,” he said. “His concern was the total environment.”

Though St. Francis (1182-1226) lived some 800 years ago, his ideas as an environmentalist continue.

“He was known for his care of the earth, the environment and all creatures,” Deacon Friedman said. “He also promoted peaceful solutions, and that philosophy is continued by the order he founded, the Franciscans.”

St. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, which begins, “All praise be yours, My Lord, through all that you have made,” and praises all that God created.

Turnout for event

Though the number of participants at St. Patrick has varied from a small group to many, the deacon said the average is between 20 and 30.

“People usually bring their dogs and cats,” he said. “One year, someone brought their horses in a trailer. We’ve had guinea pigs and ferrets.”

The common thread, Deacon Friedman said, is the love the people have for their pets and the unconditional love that pets give.

“I think the blessing is important to many people because they consider their pet a member of the family,” Deacon Friedman said. “Many people talk about the importance of this companion in their lives and how important the pet is in the household.”

He said many people have brought their pets throughout the years. “And when the pet dies, it seems the person is comforted by knowing the pet had been blessed.”

Some pets are older and may be failing, he said. “It’s not thinking this is magic,” he said, referring to the blessing. “But people are glad they participated and brought their pets.”

Deacon Friedman said he especially enjoys watching children and their pets participate. “Young children are excited ... showing off their pet and getting the blessing,” he said.

Deacon Friedman said he blesses each pet with holy water. “It’s uplifting to me to see the response of participants,” he said.

The ceremony closes with the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, which begins with the phrase, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love.”