By Kathy Henderson

The Revs. Christopher Rogers and Dave McEachron, accompanied by Rogers’ dog Cuthbert and McEachron’s dog Brave, officiated at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church’s Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 6 at College Park, Carter and Raymond avenues.

People gathered in a circle for prayer beneath the leaf canopy of the immense Bur oaks by Doswell Avenue. Some people stood, some sat on lawn chairs, and a few comfortably rested on a University of Minnesota maroon and gold plaid blanket. Their dogs of various sizes, breeds and ages were close by, calmly by their owners’ sides or straining on their leashes eager to explore the parkland.

Traditionally, Blessing of the Animals services take place in Christian faith communities around the St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day, Oct. 4. Known as the patron saint of animals and ecology, St. Francis is often portrayed in paintings in a garden setting in the company of birds, a dog or lambs.

Popular items, St. Francis of Assisi memorabilia can be found in the garden aisle at big-box stores as well as at religious gift shops.

St. Matthew’s Blessing of the Animals service reflected this connection to St. Francis with the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” – a 1919 English Christian hymn by William Henry Draper based on a poem by St. Francis – along with the reading of “St. Francis and the Lambs” and reciting the “Prayer of St. Francis” that begins with oft recognizable phrase “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

The Blessing of the Animals portion of the service began with a general blessing for all the dogs present, followed by Rogers and McEachron blessing each dog individually: “Fellow creature, friend and companion…” Cats were also blessed, although only in photo representations that were held by their owners.

At the picnic supper after the blessing, worshippers shared humorous stories of blessings attended at various places and times in the past where people brought chickens and a child held a hamster in a cage. The picnic was courtesy of parishioner Karen Pfeifle.

Having the Blessing of the Animals take place outside provides a welcoming place for community members who may not be coming to church every Sunday, Rogers said.

St. Matthew’s church, 2136 Carter Ave., also hosts the Community Sing on the third Monday of the month and the St. Anthony Park Seniors “Equal Portions: Food, Friendship and Fun” on the third Thursday of the month.

Kathy Henderson lives in St. Paul and is a freelance writer for the Bugle.