16
Four County Catholic November 2011
Blessing All God’s Creatures, Great & Small Under blue October skies, felines and canines, ranging in size from Chihuahuas to By Shelley Wolf Four County Catholic Contributor
Great Danes, scampered into the parking lot behind St. Agnes Church in Niantic. Assembled in a semicircle around Rev. Mark D. O’Donnell, approximately 40 pet owners and their beloved pets listened attentively to a reading from the Book of Genesis to hear how God created the fish of the sea, fowl of the air, and cattle of the earth and, in the end, saw that it was good. This October 2 gathering of priest, parishioners, and pets marked the church’s fourth annual Blessing
of the Animals. Similar blessings were held at other churches throughout the Diocese of Norwich early in the month in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day was celebrated on October 4. St. Francis of Assisi, who lived in the 13th century, is remembered for his special connection to, and deep love for, all of God’s creatures. It’s a love that has spanned the centuries. It’s shared by men of God and lay people alike. And it’s a love that circles back to the Divine. “The care of any of God’s creatures brings one closer to the Creator,” Rev. O’Donnell said. “Here’s another one of His creations that enables us to experience the breadth of God’s beauty and love.” Rev. O’Donnell initiated the annual Blessing of the Animals at St.
Agnes four years ago to bless the pets in his congregation, which includes St. Agnes and its nearby summer chapel, St. Francis. “I just love animals,” he said quickly and emphatically. Rev. O’Donnell has enjoyed the company of dogs all his life and is currently the owner of Kaegan, a three-year-old, hypoallergenic Kerry Blue Terrier, who lives with the pastor at the rectory. “Kaegan is the first one at the door to greet everyone,” Rev. O’Donnell said proudly. “He beats the secretary and the receptionist.” Many parishioners share the pastor’s affection for animals of all kinds. According to Rev. O’Donnell, over the years church members have brought their parrots, geckos, lizards, and even snakes to the an-
nual blessing. “I guess snakes are God’s creatures, too,” he said, after pausing for a moment to think about it. This year’s event began as a minor barkfest. Large barking dogs on leashes yanked their owners in the direction of other large barking dogs. Small dogs yipped. Rev. Anna Donnelly, age 12, holds her two new kittens, Cali O’Donnell and Dexter. Photo by Shelley Wolf circled the parking area to greet church mem- yipping. “I want her blessed. She bers and bent down to pet friendly needs blessing. She needs help!” Ducey said in mock exasperation. dogs. Anna Donnelly, age 12, carried After reading the creation story from the Bible and saying several her two gray and white kittens, Cali prayers, Rev. O’Donnell weaved his and Dexter, in a small green crate, way through parishioners and pets, which she hugged protectively to sprinkling holy water on Pugs, Shet- her chest. “She wants them to be land Sheepdogs, Persian cats, and baptized,” her father said. “I want kittens. The pets calmly stayed in them to be blessed,” the pre-teen place, receiving the blessing from said, gently correcting her father. Rose and Jeff Morrissey drove in their priest. Before the blessing, attendees from Salem with their gray and shared what drew them to the spe- black spotted Great Dane puppy, Comanche. At just 10 months old, cial service. Joan Ducey, volunteer secretary at Comanche was large enough to fill the church, held her small white and the back seat of a car. “Our niece tan Papillon, GiGi, in an attempt to told us about the Blessing of the Ancalm the dog and quiet her nonstop imals,” they said.