Ceremony shows dogs as a blessing to behold
CENTER TWP — After some sniffing to get acquainted Thursday evening, seven dogs settled down in the picnic shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church long enough to receive blessings on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Rev. Joel Benson, church pastor, officiated over the blessing of the animals ceremony, held in the name and memory of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
“He showed care and concern for animals in the same way he showed care and concern for people,” Benson said. “Pets have an important role in families. Our pets always accept us just the way we are. Sometimes our dogs are just there for us.”
Before conveying the blessing, Benson read from the book of Genesis.
“Let the Earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the Earth of every kind. And it was so. God made the wild animals of the Earth of every kind and the cattle of every kind and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good,” he read.In prayers, the dog owners gave thanks for the beauty and wonder of creation in the Earth, sky and sea; the richness of mountains, plains and rivers; graciousness in the lives of men and women; all creatures that breathe, move and have life; the songs of birds and loveliness of flowers and trees; for the trust to take care of pets.Benson then placed his hand on each dog and bestowed the blessing. He asked that each dog be a sign of God's love and place joy in the hearts of those who care for them.Each dog's owner was given a St. Francis medallion that can be attached to their dog's collars.A basket full of doggy biscuits was also there to let the owners thank their pooches.
