Dogs received special blessings, and treats, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora Sunday, Sept. 27.
The church held an annual pet blessing of a dozen canines outdoors on the church playground after morning worship.
Pastor Krista Zimmerman and Deacon David Webb teamed up to bestow blessings. Pastor Zimmerman said, “We thank God for all the creatures of the earth, including our pets.”
Participating pet owners were awarded a certificate of blessing and dog treats.
Owners of stuffed pets were invited to receive blessings during a Saturday evening children’s sermon.
The event honored St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), an Italian mystic, poet and founder of the Catholic Franciscan order. He is known as the patron saint of animals because of his deep love and reverence for all creation, which led him to believe that all creatures, including animals, are part of God’s family and deserve respect and care. The blessing of pets is commonly celebrated October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
—Al Benson