Pets receive many blessings at Episcopal Church’s annual event

Published 3:54 pm Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

St. John’s Episcopal Church on East Broughton Street celebrated the annual Blessing of the Animals Saturday morning.

As dogs and their owners assembled on the lawn of the church, the service began with readings from the Bible and prayers for all living creatures. There was also a prayer for our animal friends that have died, as each owner named aloud the names of animal friends that have left us.

A closing prayer recited by all asked that we enlarge our respect for those creatures God has made and for whom we are the guardians and that we may have a sense of responsibility towards all God’s creations.

Email newsletter signup

The Rev. Leslie Dellenbarger, Priest at St. John’s, then went around the circle to each animal and owner, laying her hands on the dog’s head, asking for God’s blessings and love.

All animals were well behaved and quietly received their blessings followed by a treat