Dog owners enjoy annual pet blessing

Early arrivals at the Pet Blessing were Diane Marquard and Ann Cassell with "Sam & Sarah, " Shitzus. Also Eileen Koby with " Lady," a Rat Terrier and Barbara Smith with "Joey," a Shitzu. [Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Fr, Thomas reads from Daniel, gives a general blessing to all pets and then blesses each with holy water

There were about 20 dogs with their owners at the annual pet blessing on Sunday at the Marian Shrine east of the rectory. The blessing is held each year on a Sunday near the feast of St. Francis of Assissi, patron saint of animals, which is October 4..

Fr. Tomas spoke briefly about Saint Francis and his love of all creation and how he spoke of Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He also read from the Book of Daniel which has a list of exhortations such as

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.

All you mortals, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.

The pastor gave a general blessing to all the animals and then blessed each one with holy water. It was a bright, sunshiny day and parishioners enjoyed talking withe one another about their pets.

- jmj -

Some of the families with their pets