Our pastor, Sue, had told us she was doing the “ blessing of the animals” at the churches in Havre and Chester. Did we want to have a service also? Of course, we did. I did some research into the blessing of animals. I had heard about it but never attended a church that did it.
The idea and service go back 800 years to St. Francis of Assisi. St Francis is, of course, the patron saint of animals. He wanted a thanksgiving for God’s creations, so he asked for animals’ blessings. He celebrated the human/ animal bond. St Francis quoted Exodus, which reminds us we are to treat animals with respect and care. He felt that animals were as much God’s creation as the human race and, as such, should be protected.
Since Saint Francis, various theologians and leaders in the Christian churches have debated whether animals have souls. In 1990 Pope John Paul the second proclaimed that animals have souls and are as near to God as men. Pope Francis said he believed dogs and other companion animals would join us in the hereafter. Some popes disagreed, but we will ignore them.
John Wesley, the father of the Methodist church, said the bible implies that “heavenly animals, like humans, will be freed from sin.” This sounds like a declaration of his belief that animals would join us in heaven. Billy Graham explained something I have felt for some time. This is because God has made heaven where we are to be absolutely happy. If it takes having your dog or other pet there, then, of course, they will be there! If you have ever had a pet, you will know they have a pure soul, the likes of which no human has ever had. They are the embodiment of a Christian. Non-judgemental, always forgiving, and patient with their human foibles. Loving and protective for all their time with us. They are a blessing.
Big Sandy Methodist church had its Blessing of the Animals on Oct 6. We could bring our animals and pictures of them or even lists of the animals we wished to have blessed. Pastor Sue gave out treats for all, including birds or smaller animals not present. Flossie ate all her treats while sitting in our pew, and I’m sure she is looking forward to next Sunday! We also were gifted with pads our dogs could sit on and bags for those canines that might not be able to wait till church ended. What followed was a beautiful, touching service. Ken and I brought our dogs, Flossie Mae and Honey, resplendent with bows (after all, they were attending church.) We also had pictures and a list of all our animals. Linda Ophus had pictures of her house and barn cats. Doris Gasvoda mentioned her dog and goats. Pastor Sue gave a general blessing for all the animals we had said they were in our hearts. Some services include blessings of pets that are gone. We concentrated on those still with us. Our dogs that were present then had individual blessings. The pastor prayed they would have blessed lives with happiness and health till they went to heaven. I can’t remember if Pastor Sue said when they went to heaven, she may have said when you are no longer with us. However, I was praying they should be blessed till they are in heaven. Thankfully both our dogs behaved as if they attended church every Sunday.
We sang “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and the catchy song “A Place in the Church.” At the end of the service, we were treated to watching and listening to “Celtic Thunder Heritage” sing that song. Check it out on Youtube--well worth watching! Scripture readings were Genesis 1;24-25, Psalm 50:10-11, Isaiah 11: 6-7, and Job 12: 7-10. Our sermon talked about how we learn from our pets and grow to be better humans. We ended with a prayer for all animals. Those in pain or lost. Those in the fields and those in homes.
Besides pictures, we were asked to share stories. Ruth Merrill told us of their prairie dog pet--named P.D. She was a character, for sure. She liked graham crackers with cool whip on, and when ready for bed, she went downstairs to the laundry hamper and barked till it was opened and she could go inside to sleep. She disliked some people for no apparent reason and was known to gently chew on Ruth’s mother’s ankles (perhaps knowing this lady was afraid of her). PD went on several trips with the family. She was much loved.
Ken told of his childhood dog Spot. Spot was a Springer Spaniel. She adopted ducklings and chicks and looked after them. Once when she had her own litter, she accepted a kitten into the fold to nurse along with her own pups. She became a hero one night. Ken’s grandfather was coming home and fell on the street while crossing. He was dressed in dark clothes, and a car was approaching, not seeing him. Spot raced out, stood on him, and barked. When the family came running out, she was on the car’s radiator with her front paws! She had gotten the driver’s attention and saved a member of her family.
Later, Ken recalled a friend, Arthur Huey, who was out in the country when a snowstorm came up. He ended up off the road, with his car refusing to start. Arthur had no idea where he was or what direction he should go for help. He started out. After a bit, he felt a nudge in his back. He turned around to see a pony directly behind him. He grabbed its mane, and it led him a mile down the road to a farmhouse. A blessing indeed! This pony was not helping a family member but another of God’s creatures.
We all agreed it was a wonderful, uplifting service and plan to have another next year. Maybe other churches might try “ The Blessing of the Animals”?
