They scratched, barked, and got tangled in leashes as they waited for the benediction.
A French bulldog, Labradoodle, dachshund and six other dogs came to be blessed with their owners as part of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi celebrations Saturday morning at Ascension Lutheran Church in Franklin Square. .
“Father God, we thank you for the blessings these animals bring to us, to our families, to our friends, to our neighbors,” said Pastor Emilce Ellert, standing on the steps of the church building during a short prayer. said.
The pastor then went around to each of the four-legged creatures and blessed them individually, patting their heads.
Pastor Emilus Ellert (left) and Janice Sears and their dog Sparky at Ascension Lutheran Church in Franklin Square on Saturday. Credit: Debbie Egan Chin
The Feast of St. Francis commemorates St. Francis, a 13th-century Italian monk and founder of the Franciscan Order, who was also known as an animal lover. The holiday is celebrated on October 4th each year, but some congregations hold the blessing on the weekend to accommodate people’s work schedules.
According to Catholic tradition, St. Francis was a former military man who converted spiritually and adopted a lifestyle of poverty and preaching. According to popular stories, he befriended animals, conversed with birds, and once even brokered a peace agreement between wolves and the townspeople of Gubbio, Italy.
Although the Feast of St. Francis is primarily celebrated by Catholics, many Protestant denominations also bless animals on this feast day.
On Long Island, animal blessings were also scheduled over the weekend at Christ Episcopal Church in Sag Harbor and Old Steeple Community Church, a congregation of Christ Church in Akborg.
Erato, a Costa Rican native who immigrated to the United States and joined the Lutheran Church 30 years ago, said Lutherans recognize saints like Francis, but they don’t pray to them like Catholics do. .
Saturday’s event was open to pets of all kinds (although only dogs attended), and church members and non-members alike were welcome.
Rocco Mastrantoni, who doesn’t belong to a Lutheran church but lives around the corner, said he saw a flyer for the event and brought his dog, Bishop.
Michele Scialaffo of Franklin Square came to celebrate with her 12-year-old dachshund, Sarah.
Sharaffo said that although she is Catholic, her parish, St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, has decided not to offer a blessing this year.
“I know Lutherans don’t believe in saints like Catholics, but they still bless animals, and that’s important to those who believe,” Sharaffo said. “If you love animals, you believe in St. Francis.”
