A special Friday service drew a large crowd at St. Cletus Parish in La Grange More than 100 furry friends from all over the area gathered Friday to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, Rev. Elmer Romero said. received the blessing of pastor of the church.
St. Francis is the patron saint of Italy, along with St. Catherine of Siena. In 1979, Pope John Paul XI declared St. Francis the patron saint of ecology, and this honor made him the patron saint of animals for many. On his feast day, it is a common custom for people to bring their pets to church for blessings.
Romero said the Blessing of Pets has become an annual tradition at St. Cletus that not only involves the parish’s furry family, but also celebrates the legacy of one of its most fun and favorite saints, St. Francis of Assisi. He said it was also a method. is what we have. ”
“He had a special love for creation,” Romero said. “Think about it: the love of creation. Everything we see is a part of it, even our pets.”
Most of the pets blessed at St. Cletus on Friday were of the canine variety, with a few cats thrown in and one placed in a protective bubble.
By far the largest animal was Maddie, a Leonberger brought by La Grange resident Annie Bretzer, who attended the celebration for the first time.
“I went to a Franciscan high school and learned about St. Francis and the blessing of animals, so I wanted to take her there,” she said.
Summit resident Cynthia Hernandez’s Goldendoodle, Jasper, waits to be blessed Friday at St. Cletus Parish in La Grange. The event attracted over 100 animals. (Hank Beckman/Pioneer Press)
Parishioners Marie and Bob Asher had Archie attend the blessing for the first time, describing him as “an American-born mixed-breed child.”
“It really shows the joy these pets bring us,” Marie said. “And today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, so it’s very beautiful. Look how many people are here.”
Summit resident Cynthia Hernandez came to congratulate her Goldendoodle, Jasper. She said her home parish of St. Buller’s has shrunk a bit due to the pandemic.
“He’s 2 years old, so I’ve been here twice with him,” Hernandez said, stressing that having Jasper celebrated was “absolutely” special. She said one of the benefits of this breed is that it doesn’t shed, making it perfect for mothers’ allergies.
St. Cletus Athletic Director Maria O’Connell stopped by to assist with the celebration, which was followed by a volleyball game.
“I think it’s beautiful,” she said.
As the guests left, Romero said he was more than satisfied with the turnout.
After the final blessing, Romero said, “I think this was really beautiful.” “This year we saw more people and more pets. In other places, pet blessings may be held on other days of the week, but here we celebrate today, the actual feast day of St. Francis. I chose it.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.
