"Animal House"
While living near Washington, DC, I took my kids to Ocean City, MD, for a vacation at the beach. Across the street from the condo was a Lutheran Church. One Sunday, its sign advertised: "The Blessing of the Animals-this afternoon!"
I had never heard of such. I knew from experience that it is hard enough to bless Baptists. I couldn't imagine the energy it would take to consecrate a cat, or a Jack Russell Terrier. Thus, I vowed to turn aside and see this great sight.
And a great sight it was! Since the Ocean City Police Dog was running late, we stood around and visited. The first thing I noticed was joy. The pet owners were glad to be there. Even the animals seemed to smile. I would never have thought to bring a lizard, but one kid did.
When the official looking German Shepherd, named Sarge, arrived, the priest-all decked-out in the holy robes and ropes and regalia of the church-began the blessing. Strangely, all of the critters seemed to stop and pay attention.
The priest explained that our role model is St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, born on October 4. He was known for showing compassion toward all living things.
The priest then prayed, "Blessed are You, Holy Source of Creation, Maker of all living creatures. On the fifth and sixth days of creation, You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired us to call all animals brothers and sisters, and to be responsible stewards for their care."
Then came the holy water. An acolyte carried a situla (a Latin word for bucket) filled with holy water. Into it the priest dipped his aspergillum (which is Latin for a ball on a stick).
While speaking holy words to hounds, hamsters, and a few house cats, the priest splashed them good. Sarge enjoyed it best, nipping at the holy droplets as they fell on him and into his mouth. The congregation delighted in this strange, happy communion.
An aspergillum, even in the hands of a trained professional, is not an exact application instrument. I and others were splashed with collateral holy water, as well. However, I needed it more than most. Feelings of grief and guilt tend to stalk single parents, regardless of the occasion and at the oddest times. I welcomed the sacramental sprinkling.
That was my introduction to this humorous/holy sacramental ceremony.
Your introduction might be on September 25th. Now don't worry, we won't do as Peachtree Road Methodist does down the street. They bring hundreds of animals into the sanctuary for this service each year. They move the cushions and the animals sit on the pews.
Our blessing time will be on the church lawn and professional pooper-scoopers will be standing by.
Did you know that Dianne DaLee and Eric Kaplan in our church are leaders in the Boxer Rescue Program (atlantaboxerrescue.org)? Howard Green does the same with Golden Retrievers (grra.com).
I used to do an annual Christmas Grief Service. People would turn in 3X5 cards with the names of loved ones lost this past year. Each time, I would get at least one or two names of pets. I still have the card on which Greg Colsen noted his beloved cat, Boots.
Our animals dutifully carry our projections. We all know your dog loves you the most.
So it is not a bad idea to pause and name that our world is a shared world. Human Beings are late-comers, really late-comers, compared to other species with which we share this planet.
Maybe "The Blessing of the Animals," it is not so much about us blessing them, as it is them blessing us.
