There were 21 people, 11 pets, and a stuffed animal, but each one had their own story of how and why they came to the Blessing of the Animals service at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Corner Brook on October 6th, in recognition of St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day on October 4th.
Many participants came on behalf of others. Carolyn brought her neighbour’s dog, as she walks the dog daily because the neighbour is unable to do so. Debbie brought her daughter’s Canadian sphinx cat, as her daughter is attending university elsewhere. Lily left her dog at home because he is “too rambunctious” for this sort of gathering, but she played her flute while other participants had their animals blessed.
Others brought their own pets, some from a great distance. Debbie, a Corner Brook resident, brought Lola, who is just recovering from leg surgery. One couple, however, came all the way from Springdale because there was no Blessing of the Animals service nearer to their home—almost 180 km from Corner Brook—and they wanted their dog blessed.
While animals brought to the service were all animal companions, the prayers read by Dean Catherine Short reminded participants of a broader range of animals and their carers: animals trained in search and rescue; animals assisting those who are hearing or visually impaired; also veterinarians, and people who provide safety and shelter to injured or homeless animals.
