Pet Blessing at St. Edward Church

Blessing (all kinds) of Pets

For the past few years, near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October, St. Edward Church has offered pet owners an opportunity for a pet blessing, but this year, had record-breaking attendance and a few unique pets.

As proven by the turnout on Monday, October 4th, pets come in all shapes, sizes and kinds.

In addition to 25+ dogs (including a service dog), 2 chickens, 1 cockatiel, a tortoise, a few "virtual" cats (on iPhones) and a poster of a senior dog all gathered outside the entrance to the church for a Pet Blessing by Pastor, Fr. Steve Zukas.

Many of the canines, in an attempt to make new friends, barked a bit, but luckily they didn't seem to notice two chickens that were only inches away from them. A cockatiel, brought by its owner in a soft-sided carrier, was also verbal, but the tortoise, who sat quietly in a shoebox, wins "best behaved"!

All pets in attendance, as well as a few cats/kitten images on their owner's smartphones, as well as one pet owner who held a poster with a picture of a senior dog were individually blessed with holy water and were the recipients of a St. Francis medal and a Prayer for Pets card .

A wonderful ceremony honoring these special pets.