CHURCH TO HOLD PET BLESSING CEREMONY CONTINUES SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI.Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer VAN NUYS - St. Mark's Episcopal Church St. Mark's Episcopal Church may refer to one of hundreds of Episcopal churches throughout the United States, including:
``St. Francis of Assisi is a revered saint. He was a lover of animals. Animals are one part of God's creation,'' said the Rev. Norman Hull. ``They give so much joy, love and assistance to people. We will bless them with all of God's love on Sunday.'' St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint patron saint Saint to whose protection and intercession a person, society, church, place, profession, or activity is dedicated. The choice is usually made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship (e.g., St. of animals and nature, and the official feast day is Oct. 4. Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan Paweł II) born Karol Józef Wojtyła proclaimed him the patron saint of ecologists in 1980. The third annual service will include appropriate readings from Genesis and Matthew about animals. There will be special prayers said for the search and rescue dogs The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in responding to law enforcement requests for missing persons. Dedicated handlers and hard working, well-trained dogs are required in search efforts to be effective in their task. in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , and for the dogs that are companions to the blind. The blessing is accompanied by a sprinkling of water from a juniper branch. ``The blessing of the animals is the main service on Sunday at St. Mark's St. Mark's could refer to:
Dogs have been the most common pets brought to the service, but lizards, turtles, goldfish and cats have also been presented for the blessing. ``There was a little boy last year who said his hedgehogs really, really needed a blessing,'' said Diana Berrones, one of the organizers of the service. ``The hedgehogs were probably the most unusual pets we've seen so far, although someone brought a sheep in a van to be blessed last year.'' Berrones helped to get the word out by distributing fliers at veterinarian veterinarian /vet·er·i·nar·i·an/ (vet?er-i-nar´e-an) a person trained and authorized to practice veterinary medicine and surgery; a doctor of veterinary medicine. vet·er·i·nar·i·an n. offices, pet-grooming shops, feed stores and dog parks. Berrones said the Van Nuys-based group Pet Orphans, which she said rescues cats and dogs Cats and Dogs A slang term referring to speculative stocks that have short or suspicious histories for sales, earnings, dividends, etc. Notes: In a bull market analysts will often mention that everything is going up, even the cats and dogs. from local shelters and matches them with new owners, will also be on hand. ``Their presence at the service offers some exposure to the community of the caring and loving work they do. My terrier terrier, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate dogs originally bred to start small game and vermin from their burrows or, in the case of several breeds in this group, to go to earth and kill their prey. mix, Nellie, came from them,'' she said. Some pet owners may opt for a photo blessing especially if their pet is travel shy. Water stations will be set up in the courtyard. Committee member Dolly Rogers said she's bringing the ``pooper scooper, just in case.'' ``The animals have been remarkably well-behaved. Are they in awe because of the spirit of God? I think those of us who have animals know they enrich our lives. We're celebrating and acknowledging their role,'' said Rogers, who has a Jindo, Nabi, as a pet. ``When my dog is blessed by one of the priests, I feel like I'm blessed. I do believe God loves all creatures.'' Both Rogers and Berrones said that the service creates a positive community outreach event. Pet owners of all ages attend. ``Animals are my passion,'' said Berrones, who also has a Lab mix, Bibs, and a cat, Dudley. ``I feel lifted up when I'm with my animals. Our pets are innocent, pure in spirit and they love us unconditionally. God entrusted animals to us. This service offers an opportunity to remind ourselves that God is present in animals and all of nature.'' Blessing of the animals will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday. Refreshments will be served. Pets must be properly restrained. A donation of towels or toys for the cats and dogs of Pet Orphans is appreciated. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 14646 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Call (818) 785-4251. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: ``There was a little boy last year who said his hedgehogs really, really needed a blessing.'' - Diana Berrones, left, one of the organizers of the blessing of the animals at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Norman Hull and Dolly Rogers Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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