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About 25 animals, mostly dogs, were brought by their owners to be blessed
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BOARDMAN
2Jake, named after World War II paratrooper Jake McNasty McNeese, who made four combat jumps, is part of the family, said the Beaver Township couple, fondly stroking the big dog’s head.
Jake was one of about 25 animals, mostly dogs and a few cats, who were brought to the ceremony conducted by the Rev. Shawn Dickerson, deacon-in-charge of the church, and Father John Wigle, retired priest associate.
The Blessing of the Animals is done on Rogation Sunday, the sixth Sunday after Easter.
“In a time more focused on rural life, Rogation Sunday was a day to bless the fields as the year’s crops were being planted and to bless the farm animals on whom the community’s life depended. St. James Church retains aspects of this old custom by blessing the companion animals whose presence enrich our lives,” the Rev. Mr. Dickerson said.
“I’ve been doing this for years. It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s as if the animals understand. We’ve never had a bad incident,” said Father Wigle.
People come from all over, and everyone has a wonderful story to tell, he said.
Among Sunday’s stories was one about a rescue dog, Dazzle, an 8-year-old schnauzer mix brought to the service by Sherlyn Himes, 12, and her grandparents, Jo Ann and Chester Kaschak of Canfield.
“She dazzled me, so we brought her home,” Jo Ann said.
Animals are good companions, said Chester.
Rydell, a 5-year-old retired racing greyhound from Florida owned by Heidi Perditto and John Gilley of Boardman, is not only a family pet but a Therapy Dog International-certified therapy dog who visits nursing-home residents.
Lindsay Vrancich of Boardman brought Rocco, an 11-month-old Yorkie-Maltese mix, wondering how he would act around so many other dogs.
“To have him blessed was nice. I think it’s wonderful the church does this,” Vrancich said.
Part of the service thanked God for the “love and companionship we receive from our animals and all your creation” and for the “deep bond between people and animals. We come together to celebrate this gift of love.”
Appropriately, the service ended with the singing of the hymn that begins with “All creatures of our God and King ...”