John Lentz
Those who have a wish to give their pet a special blessing are encouraged to attend a special ceremony this Sunday at a Laurinburg church.
St. David’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of Azure Court and Covington Street, will host an animal blessing ceremony for pets and their owners on Oct. 2. The service, led by animal advocate and Third Order Franciscan Weston F. Cook, Jr. will take place outdoors at 4 p.m. All pets and their owners are invited to join in the ceremony.
Clergy participants include the Revs. Linda Nelson of the Lutheran Church of the Living Word, Neal Carter of Laurinburg Presbyterian, and Harry Abernathy of St. David’s.
“Worship communities have traditionally held ceremonies for the blessing of animals on or near the feast day of Oct. 4., which commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi,” Abernathy said.
Known as the patron saint of animals, Francis preached a sermon to the birds, made a peace treaty with a wolf, instituted the tradition of the Christmas “crib”, or nativity scene, and founded the Franciscan order with its distinctive brown tunic. St. Francis lived from 1181–1226.
“At the informal service, hymns will be sung and prayers said, and a brief meditation will be offered,” said Abernathy.
“To make sure this event is a happy one for all attending, please do leash or otherwise contain your animal companion. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the church sanctuary.”
Representatives of the Scotland County Humane Society will be present at the event, and an offering will be taken to assist in its work. Prayers of blessing will be said over each animal presented.
St. David’s is located next to Covington Street School. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopal.org or call 276-1757 for more information.
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