Celebrating the Blessing of Animals at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

In the heart of Scranton, a unique congregation gathered on a cool October day, not just for prayer but to honor their beloved pets. As the soft sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, an unexpected array of four-legged friends settled themselves amongst their human companions. Rocky, a spirited black lab, nestled comfortably on the red velvet cushion of a pew, embodying the warmth of the special occasion.

A Gathering of Paws and People

On this occasion, the church was alive with dogs of all sizes—labradors, terriers, and poodles, each one offered a seat on their humans’ laps or spread out on the church floor. It was a delightful scene marking the annual Blessing of the Animals, a tradition that aligns with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated on October 4. During this festive service, the Rev. Dr. Tyler Parry engaged with each furry attendee, sitting for the larger breeds and standing for the smaller ones, offering blessings filled with heartfelt warmth.

“May God bless you,” he proclaimed, gently petting the animals. “May you… find joy, peace, and health this year.” His words resonated with the pet owners, who know firsthand the joy their furry companions bring into their lives.

The Spirit of St. Francis

St. Francis of Assisi, a figure revered for his profound love of nature and animals, underpins this tradition. His teachings remind the faithful of their responsibilities toward all of creation. Rev. Parry explained the purpose of the service, emphasizing the recognition of what pets give to us rather than the other way around. “It’s a celebration of the good creation and the joy of having pets,” he remarked, highlighting how spirituality and love permeate the bond between humans and their animal companions.

The service included readings from psalms reflecting God’s intentions for life and creation, commemorating St. Francis’ close relationship with nature. Though the primary focus was on canine blessings, many pet owners took the opportunity to bring photographs of their other cherished animals, ensuring that all creatures received an acknowledgment of love.

The Bonds We Share

As the ceremony unfolded, individual stories emerged—each pet a beloved member of their respective families. One of the attendees, Rebecca McLaughlin, felt the event transcended mere acknowledgment, saying, “I think it’s wonderful that the church recognizes other living creatures…because we all love them.” Her five-year-old Australian Shepherd, Paige, seemed to bask in both the attention and the spiritual atmosphere.

Next to her was Anna Berezich with Rocky, the therapy dog who brought joy to many. “It’s nice to get her in the church, and then I feel like she’s extra blessed because she has to sit through a Mass,” Anna shared with a chuckle. This sentiment echoed throughout the room; each pet, irrespective of their history and personality, was welcomed with open arms.

Acknowledging Gratitude

Rev. Parry expressed that the blessings are not intended as good luck charms but as a heartfelt recognition of the gifts pets represent in our lives. He observed, “In a world that can be really sad or really dark… you come home and your pup is wagging his tail… it’s like, ‘You know what? It’s gonna be alright.’” Each wagging tail symbolizes comfort and companionship, fostering a sense of gratefulness that permeated the gathering.

The Blessing of the Animals serves as a reminder of the unconditional love that pets offer and the deep-rooted connections humans share with them. “The blessing is to say thank you,” Parry concluded, highlighting how crucial these pets are for emotional well-being.

Embracing a Larger Family

The event at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church beautifully illustrated the broader family we create with our pets. It reinforced that animals are not just companions; they are essential members of our communities, deserving of recognition, care, and connection. As the congregation mingled with joyous barks and playful frolics, it became clear: love knows no bounds, and this special day was a celebration of the bonds that enrich life immeasurably.