Blessing
of Animals
May 27, 2008
From the youngest to the eldest...pictured left is Silkie, a 7-week-old
Golden Retriever...to the right is 17-year old Sebastian. Both enjoyed
the day and a blessing from Fr. Wigle.
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Blessing
of Animals |
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St. James'
Continues Tradition of Animal Blessing
on Rotation Sunday
Rogation Sunday is a day set aside
to thank God for creation and ask blessings upon crops and animals. It has
become our tradition at St. James' to hold this Blessing of Animals service on
Rogation Sunday. We were blessed with a day of bright sunshine, blue skies, and
a warm, gentle breeze.
We gathered on the church lawn. There were big dogs and little dogs; rescue dogs
and therapy dogs; and two brave felines! Animals and their owners greeted one another.
We sang songs of praise to God for the wonderful creatures He has blessed our
lives with. We heard a beautiful prayer by Gerard Manley Hopkins. We offered
prayers for animals trained in service and our beloved departed pets. Fr. Wigle
blessed each animal (or family of animals) present praying that God bless them
with good health, a long life, and a happy home. We enjoyed some snacks and a
time of fellowship and had a chance to learn more about animals trained for
therapy (hospital and nursing home visits, etc.). And we had the rare
opportunity to meet Yuma of the Boardman Police Department's canine unit and her
handler, Darren Tallman. It was a grand celebration once again.
Thanks to all who came and brought their animals. Special thanks to the service
animals from K-9's for Compassion, Therapy Dogs, International and their
handlers, and to Patrolman Darren Tallman and Yuma from the Boardman Police
Department. Enjoy the photos!
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To see more photos from this year's event, visit our on-line
photo gallery by clicking on the link below. You will need to create an account
if you don't already have one. It is a very simple process and worth taking the
time to do. You don't want to miss these great photos!!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=psutmz1.6wr85tkd&x=1&y=-n0bcaz&localeid=en_US
To see photos from our 2007 event, click here.
