About 40 parishioners brought their pets at the 12th annual service, presided over by Father John Barry. Thus, there were about 85 total creatures at the noisy event (many of them beautiful pet dogs, both large and small). The blessing was held a day after the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. The group recited the “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis, which features Brother Sun (who brightened up the chilly day), Sisters Moon and Stars, and Brothers Wind and Air. The famous poem, written about 1225 A.D., ends with the lines: “Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks, and serve him with great humility.” Kathy Hinkle, who has attended every year, assisted Fr. Barry with the sprinkling of the animals during the individual blessings. The event is organized each year by the Resurrection Environmental Committee. — Photos by John Small
