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Blessing of Animals
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Hidden by the carrier, Phoebe, a longhaired tuxedo cat, receives a blessing. Holding the carrier is Phoebe’s owner, Barbara Jones of Austintown.
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The Rev. John Wigle, retired associate priest, pets and blesses Jack, a golden retriever, during the Blessing of Animals ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave. Jack’s owner is Becky Borman, who is on the animal-blessing team at the church. Waiting to be blessed is Brandy, a golden retriever belonging to Gretchen Carlson of Canfield.
St. James Episcopal Church continues annual custom
By LINDA M. LINONIS
BOARDMAN
From 192-pound Mitch, a 6-year-old Great Dane with arthritis, to tiny 13-year-old Libby, a chihuahua with a heart condition, dogs of all sizes — along with a few cats — received individual blessings Sunday from the Rev. John Wigle, retired priest associate.
The occasion was the annual Blessing of Animals in conjunction with Rogation Sunday at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave.
Mitch’s owner, Jean Jevesok of Canfield, said she wanted to bring her pet to get the blessing because he suffers from arthritis. She said Mitch — at 42 inches — is the second-tallest Great Dane on record.
Meanwhile, Patty Trell cradled two of the smallest canines at the blessing — Libby and 7-month-old Mia, both chihuahuas.
“She’s a special little girl,” Trell said of Libby, who has a heart problem.
This is the second year Trell has attended to get the blessing for Libby.
These pet owners joined others who brought about 60 pets to the annual blessing. Though the sky was dotted with gray clouds and the wind never let up, pet owners had sunny smiles on their faces as Father Wigle petted and blessed each animal individually.
He said Rogation Sunday, the sixth Sunday after Easter, is an Anglican tradition.
“People would gather at the church and march around the perimeter,” he said. “It was called ‘beating the borders.’”
Then, he said, farm animals were blessed because the community depended on them, and fields with the new crops also would be blessed.
St. James continues the custom though pets have replaced the farm animals, but the idea of recognizing the gifts of God’s creation remains.
Father Wigle said colonial churches had boxed-in pews to accommodate church-goers who brought their dogs to the service. So, having animals at church goes back in history.
Father Wigle cited the biblical stories of creation and Noah’s ark to remind people how animals “enrich our lives.”
He led the singing of “All Creatures Great and Small” because the children charged with the assignment were looking for a lost feline.
Henry the cat panicked when he saw the gathering of dogs, punched out the bottom of his carrier and bolted into the foliage behind the church. Henry is an orange tabby dragging a green leash. His family is Julie and Paul Van Devender of Canfield. They and others searched for Henry.
Call the church at (330) 758-2727 about Henry.
As people sang “All Creatures Great and Small,” some dogs lent howls and barks. The dogs sniffed, wagged their tails and got into play positions; there were no serious confrontations.
Though the event was called Blessing of Animals, some people described their pets as a blessing.
Molly Galano of Boardman, who brought 13-year-old Buddy, a border-collie mix, said she felt “blessed that he is part of our lives.”
“He is a wonderful companion,” she said, noting Buddy helps keep her husband, Samuel, in “good spirits” as he faces health concerns.
The atmosphere at the church and the friendliness of its congregation were part of the reason why Kathy Mahalko of Youngstown came with her 7-year-old Bichon, Peek-a-boo.
Nancy Hildebrand of New Middletown and her daughter, Rachael, 16, brought Izzy, their 4-year-old beagle.
“Izzy is part of our family. ... She’s an important member of the family,” Nancy Hildebrand said. “We feel it’s important to bring her for this blessing as it is for us.”
Becky Borman of Canfield was among the mothers who spent part of their Mother’s Day at the animal blessing. Son Jay brought Barkley, an Old English sheepdog, and son Chris and daughter-in-law Meg had Trooper, a 3-year-old Great Dane. They live in the Columbus area.
“Barkley needs a double blessing. ... He’s still a puppy,” Borman said.
She brought family pet Jack, a golden retriever.
“They give us so much more than we give them,” Borman said. “Whether you’re having a good day or bad day, they make it better.”