Animal Blessings
“If a pet is your wish, it must be a fish” – or so goes the mantra from Residence Life concerning the policy surrounding having any kind of critters in your residence hall or other campus housing. One of the more difficult transitions for first year college students is having to leave beloved pets at home. Several years ago, one student was so homesick for her dog that we gave her complete access to our house – 24/7- so that she could have a puppy fix and take our little Dusty for a walk whenever she wanted. Dusty loved the extra attention, and the student loved having his companionship.
In over fifty years of living I’ve been blessed by a menagerie of pets. As a family living in Wyoming we had cats and dogs at various times while growing up, as well as several horses. My dad and brother were the real cowboys, but I occasionally rode with my dad out in the country and went on horse packing trips above the timberline in the mountains. Even on the steepest and rockiest inclines I learned to implicitly trust the surefootedness of my horse, and he never let me down – literally and figuratively.
When I became a parent myself, I discovered that one of the greatest gifts I could give my children was to allow them to care for a pet. We’ve had several cats and one dog over the years but each pet has helped every member of our family to expand their hearts. Having a pet is a wonderful way to love and be loved. Even the most institutionalized settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons have found that the presence of pets greatly enhances the health and well-being of the residents.
In recognition of the importance of all kinds of critters in our lives, the Spiritual Life Center will be hosting its annual “Blessing of the Animals” on Thursday, October 4, at 5:15 p.m. in Friendship Circle on campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bring their pets, and students are welcome to come with pictures or even stuffed animals that represent their beloved critters back home. October 4th is chosen each year as it marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a special love for all God’s creatures.
Blessed are you, Lord God,
maker of all living creatures.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
you called forth fish in the sea,
birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless our animal companions.
By the power of your love,
enable them to live according to your plan.
May we always praise you
for all your beauty in creation.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
Peace,
Anne