St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of pets and with his feastday celebrated on October 4th, the month of October is special for pets. Many parishes hold some kind of special blessing ceremony for the pets of parishioners. St. Philomena Parish had their pet blessing on Saturday October 13th. Father Chris Weber welcomed a group of parishioners and their dogs (and one cat!) and conducted a blessing service. The pets (and owners) were well-behaved though one exclaimed that they had hoped for an exorcism for their rambunctious pooch. Following the readings and blessings, the entire group (assisted by the occasional woof) read St Francis' prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Father Chris Weber greets Joan Atkian's dog Hub
Father Chris listens to a reading while a
collie tries to pay attention
Cleo has a lot to be thankful for. Her owner Nancy rescued her on what was to be her last day!
The O'Briens knew it was best to keep their cat in its crate with all the dogs around.
Mountain Bernese Blaze and Great Pyrenees Zima
listen to the blessing
Bridget Assing-Marok and her dad brought their dachsund Peanuts
Water Spaniel Bandit was dressed for the service
Black Lab Hogan seemed like he didn't want to pose
with his owner and Father Chris
Shitzu Jay and Lab Bailey arrive for the Blessing
Father Chris Weber about to bless black lab Hogan
Father Chris Weber with Joan Atkian and her Berner Hub
Father Chris blesses the pets
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