St. James' Episcopal Church 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.

St. James' Continues Tradition of Animal Blessing
on Rogation 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!

To see more photos from this year's event, visit our on-line photo gallery by clicking on the link below. You don't want to miss these great photos!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/sharynfees/AnimalBlessingApril272008

To see photos from our 2007 event, click here.

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