St. Mary’s Invites Community to Blessing of Animals on Oct. 5 

   Diefenbaker plans to be there. So do Phoebus, Tecumseh, Tertullian, Chipper, Chocolate, and Col. Boogie of Clan MacAw.  Indeed, on Sunday, Oct. 5th, at 4 p.m., people in Cold Spring may notice something unusual at St. Mary-in-the-Highlands Episcopal Church: A procession of animals -- everything from dogs and cats to hamsters, lizards, birds and turtles - will be part of a special ceremony, the Blessing of Pets, in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's respect for all of nature. 

   St. Francis, whose feast day is Oct. 4th, is still renowned for his love of animals. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, even allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey and he became famous for preaching to birds. He also wrote a "Canticle of the Creatures" as an ode to God's living things: "All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures." His colleague, St. Clare of Assisi, apparently was similarly inclined, for testimony in the cause for her canonization referred to her little cat!  

   "The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic," said Fr. Shane Scott-Hamblen, rector of St. Mary's, in announcing the Blessing of Pets. "Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love." It's no wonder then, he added, that people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing, since church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated. 

   He explained that at the Blessing of Pets, a blessing is offered and the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water. Most pets receive this sacramental "spritz" with dignity. "But the owner is happy, and who knows what spiritual benefits may result."  

   Usually the Blessing of Pets is held outdoors. At St. Mary's, in the event of rain, the service will be held the Parish Hall. (No carpet!)

   Some people criticize the amount and cost of care given to pets," Fr. Shane pointed out. "They say that people are more important, and that we should `care for poor people instead of pugs.' And certainly our needy fellow humans should not be neglected. Yet, we believe every creature is important. The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator." 

   Accordingly, everyone - and "thing" - is invited to the St. Mary's ceremony! The church is located at 1 Chestnut St., at the corner of Chestnut Street/Morris Avenue (Route 9D) and Main Street (Route 301), at the stoplight in Cold Spring.