Friday, October 4, 2024, was the Catholic feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Blessing of Pets will be held throughout Chicagoland, including at Northbrook Catholic Community in Northbrook and in front of the rectory on the lawn of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview on October 1st. It was held in
At 10 a.m. on Oct. 5, Northbrook’s crisp fall weather created a fall photo opportunity for people with pets (mostly dogs) on the steps of St. Norbert Church.
“I think everyone should be celebrated, right?” said Northbrook resident Beth Koeppen, who brought her female white Westie, Willeama, 1.
“We are all creatures on this earth.”
Attendees were ready to say hello to Cassie, a female cockatiel. The bird chirped as it perched on the shoulder of its owner, Reverend Joseph Le, associate pastor of St. Norbert, who presided over the pet blessing.
On the right, Beth Koeppen of Northbrook is wearing a hat. Puppy Willima, 1 year old, with her white female Westie (not visible), greets another pup at the Blessing of Pets at St. Norbert Church on October 5, 2024. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)
Kathy remained in place during the blessing as Lee walked around reading prayers and sprinkling holy water.
The statue of St. Francis of Assisi is also known for having a bird beside him and a wolf beside him.
“St. Francis is popular for his love of nature and love of animals,” Lee said.
Kathy, a female cockatiel bird, is shown receiving a pet blessing while perched on the shoulders of her owner, the Reverend Joseph Le, associate pastor of St. Norbert. Taken in Northbrook on October 5, 2024 (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)
According to Le, St. Francis of Assisi was known for his ability to talk to animals, and one day he decided to speak to a wolf that had come into town to attack people and animals.
“The people and the villagers didn’t know what to do with the wolf, so St. Francis said, “Let me talk to the wolf.”
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“The wolf agreed with him and went to the village and said, ‘Okay, you have to take care of the wolf, feed it, and then make friends with it.’
“From that moment on, they lived together peacefully,” Lee said.
“I believe in the intercession of St. Francis,” said Northbrook resident Paula Duran, accompanied by her 2-year-old female English bulldog, Juno.
John Reynolds of Northfield posed for a selfie with Lee, his bird Kathy, and Reynolds’ male puppy Finnegan, 20 months old.
“They’re part of the family,” Reynolds said of the pets. “Our dogs are part of the family.”
Reynolds acknowledged St. Francis’ sense of sharing and community, adding, “I think St. Francis was right.”
