Sharon Scanlan and Robin Conner
Why do churches bless animals? When we bless animals in the church, we are saying, “You are a gift from God.” It is God who first blessed animals at their creation. So, blessing animals is an original activity as old as creation, a thing we do in imitation of the Creator. Many churches hold a blessing for the animals in recognition of St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals. Born in Italy circa 1181, his love of God included all creatures. He would talk to and pray for the animals of the forest.
Those of us in Catalina love to see which of God’s creatures will be brought in for a blessing. In the past, we have had the usual cats and dogs. Sometimes we see horses, and last year we had a tortoise from Vail.
Our program begins with blessings from the pastor, followed by scripture and music, and completed with each pet being blessed as certificates are presented. Seating is available.
This annual event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. in the courtyard adjacent to our sanctuary. All creatures are welcome—on a leash, in a cage, in a bowl, in a box, with a saddle, or otherwise safely secured. Stuffed animals and photos also will be blessed. A memory table will be available for those friends and neighbors of Vista UMC who want to remember their precious pets who have crossed over “The Rainbow Bridge.” A photo can be emailed to [email protected], dropped off at the office, or mailed to Vista UMC, 3001 E. Miravista Lane, Tucson, AZ 85739. For questions, call the office at 520-825-1985.