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^ Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 9 The Animal Blessing Service By Myno Van Dyke "Why are you blessing animals?" animals?" This was a question many people asked when news got out that an Animal Blessing Service would be held in Orono this spring. Many Christian churches (particularly Catholic and Anglican churches) participate participate in a ritual known as the Blessing of the Animals. Often held on or about the Feast Day of St. Francis in October, this ritual brings people and their pets "flocking." "flocking." How did this practice come about, and what does it mean to the participants? St. Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182 - 1226) began life as the son of a wealthy merc hant in the Perugia region of Italy. In 1206, he renounced his family wealth and started a new life of ministering to the 983 Orono www.ai "We don't just spe poor. Following Jhe Gospel's teachings, he lived in poverty and preached simplicity and humility. St. Francis believed that all the creatures of the earth were his brethren. Hé is said to have preached to anyone anyone who would listen, including including the birds. It is for this reason reason that statues of St. Francis often depict him in companionship companionship with birds. Today, the ritual of the Blessing of the Animals marks not only a remembrance remembrance of the teachings of St. Francis, but a respectful recognition of the pets in our lives. Participants in this service service are reminded of God's love for them through the love they give and receive from their pets. At the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City, for example, example, some 5-7,000 people and their animals congregate for Th(z flpplfz Blossom (§)hop ^ owers ® 1-9155 • Oshawa 433-2515 ppleblossomflowers.com clallze... We make every order special. , Main Street, Orono Proprietors: Gary & Carol Vreeker • Wedding Cakes • Cakes for a\\ Occasions • Pastries - Donuts - Pics • Bread & Buns 905-983-9779 Closed Sunday and Monday MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD. SERVING D ALL URHAM REGION SINCE 1841 FUNERAL SERVICES ARRANGED AND/OR PREPAID PRE. BURIAL "WÏ ETIQi FUNERAL DIRECTORS CREMATION - TRANSFERS HERE PROFESSIONAL DETTE IS IMPORTANT" A DIVISION ST. PAUL R. MORRIS GARY M. CONWAY DOUG R. RUTHERFORD DEBRA D. KELLEHER 623-5480 BOWMANVILLE - AT QUEEN ST. the annual ritual This popular service has drawn throngs of enthusiastic participants since 1985. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., a procession of animals, ranging from the smallest fish and mouse to cats, dogs, sheep, goats, turkeys, monkeys, monkeys, llamas, camels and an elephant, march up the steps of the cathedral, down its hallowed hallowed aisle, and come to rest at the high alter to be blessed by the Bishop of New York and the Dean of the Cathedral. Festivities in the accompanying accompanying day-long fair include concerts, theatre performances, performances, puppeteers, face painting, games for children, vegetarian vegetarian concessions, a petting zoo, and more. More than a brief ritual, the Feast of St. Francis is a massive and joyous celebration celebration of God's love for all his creatures. On Sunday, April 21, at 2:30 pm, Reverend Dorinda Vollmer of the Orono Kirby United Churches will perform a Blessing of the Animals Service. It will be held at the Orono Fairgrounds near the east bleachers. Please bring your animals. The Jungle Cat World from Orono will be bringing some of their special animals to be blessed. There will be a short service and hot dogs and cold drinks will be available. Call the church office at 905-983-5502 if you have any further questions. We hope to see you there. "Advertise Across Ontario or Across the Country FRANCHISE & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SHOW. 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