FAITHFUL PETS BLESSED; CHURCH OFFERS BENEDICTION FOR FURRY FLOCK.Byline: Gloria Gonzales Daily News Staff Writer Julianna Colwell held her brown rabbit, Petey, close to her chest as she awaited the Rev. Julia Christian's blessing. Colwell was one of about 40 pet owners who brought their animal friends to be blessed at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church's Animal Fair on Saturday. ``We are gathered here today to place a blessing over each and every one of our furry fur·ry adj. fur·ri·er, fur·ri·est 1. Consisting of or similar to fur. 2. a. Covered with, wearing, or trimmed with fur. b. Covered with a furlike substance. 3. , feathered feath·ered adj. 1. Covered, provided, or adorned with feathers. 2. Having feathering, as an animal's coat. 3. Moving swiftly: feathered feet. 4. and finned finned adj. Having a fin, fins, or finlike parts. Often used in combination: single-finned; multifinned. friends,'' Christian told the small crowd gathered in front of the church. Some sat tall and listened intently to the reverend's sermon. Others, like Marigold marigold, any plant of the genus Tagetes of the family Asteraceae (aster family), mostly Central and South American herbs cultivated elsewhere as garden flowers. The two common species of marigold, both annuals, are distinguished as African, or Aztec (T. , a 15-month old yellow lab in training to be a guide dog, lay down, stretched out at the reverend's feet and yawned. ``We have rabbits, dogs, chickens and turtles. We thank you Lord for their faithful companionship companionship the faculty possessed by most truly domesticated animals. They are social creatures and have a great need for the companionship of other animals. Animals in groups are quieter and more productive as a rule. , and ask you to bless them with good health and long life,'' Christian said as she splashed first a dog and then a chicken with holy water. Then she blessed Marigold and two other guide dogs in training. ``May God bless you and watch over those you serve,'' she said. The blessing opened a daylong fair celebrating the church's 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. , St. Francis of Assisi, a cleric renown among Christians for his preternatural bond with animals. ``The whole day is dedicated to animals,'' Christian said. ``Shambala comes out with exotic animals and Paws Partners will come out and give out information about the importance of animal care and companionship. We'll also have a K-9 demonstration. ``It's important to have a day to remember how special animals are to us, and to honor the animals, like the guide dogs and police dogs, who serve us,'' Christian said. ``Even regular house pets are more than good companions. They help keep us healthy and they comfort those who are ill and speed recovery.'' Colwell hoped that the blessing would keep Petey well, and help him achieve his full potential. ``Maybe he'll become a champion rabbit,'' Colwell said, stroking Petey's floppy ears. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO (color--ran in Simi edition only) The Rev. Julia Christian, right, blesses Judy and Bob Daggs' canine pals Skip, Mousse and Frank at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church Episcopal Church, Anglican church of the United States. Its separate existence as an American ecclesiastical body with its own episcopate began in 1789. Doctrine and Organization . Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News |
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