Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By The Rev. Lynn Finnegan
Associate Rector
Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe
Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, New Mexico is a “Franciscan oasis of prayer and personal growth.” I joined Episcopal clergy from throughout New Mexico and west Texas there this past week. It seemed quite fitting that we were in this tranquil Franciscan setting a few days prior to the Feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4.
Honored in the Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Anglican and Episcopal Churches, Francis’ popularity extends to non-religious and religious alike, chiefly due to his love for animals and creation. St. Francis statues and bird baths are popular backyard decor, and many churches celebrate St. Francis’ feast day with animal and pet blessing services. Most animal blessings are held outdoors, and animal lovers are invited to bring their pets for a blessing by the priest or pastor. Some churches extend the animal invitation indoors: the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan has hosted cows, horses, birds, camels, and tortoises into its sanctuary in addition to the usual assembly of dogs, cats, and even stuffed animals. For a wonderful visual of this animal menagerie, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJRuG2C8nqQ
I do love a pet blessing! It is such a joyous and fun occasion of (mostly) controlled chaos of barking dogs, timid (or bored) cats, and the occasional ferret, gerbil, or horse. A colleague shared that she had once blessed a tarantula. My favorite thus far is the stuffed snake I blessed and the prayer I was able to offer to a family who had just lost a beloved dog. I think St. Francis smiles a heavenly smile this time of year.
I also think he is disappointed that his life lived in simplicity, generosity, and dedication to Christ has perhaps been reduced to bird baths and barking dogs. We can do better. As Franciscan Brother Henry at the Holy Cross Retreat Center reminded us, “Saint Francis is the most admired and least imitated” of all the saints. Francis’s love for Christ and all of God’s creation inspired him to live a Christian life of poverty, simplicity, and care for the poor. He centered his whole life in praise and gratitude. “Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing,” he wrote in his famous poem “Canticle of Brother Sun.” The reason Francis loved animals is because he recognized their value and worth as God’s creation, just as he recognized the value and worth of every human being.
Knowing that he was addressing a room of clergy who had already planned a pet blessing service for the upcoming weekend, Brother Henry chided us. Do your pet blessings, he said, but honor Francis with other actions: work that addresses global poverty, environmental destruction, and the care for all creation. As well-loved anthropologist Jane Goodall, who died Oct. 1 and who embodied the ideals of Saint Francis, wrote: “Somehow we must keep hope alive – a hope that we can find a way to educate all, alleviate poverty, assuage anger, and live in harmony with the environment, with animals, and with each other.”
Animal Blessings will be held at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, Los Alamos at 5 p.m. and at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe, at 4 p.m. today, Sunday, Oct. 5. All are welcome to bring their pets!
Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy including The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com); The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, Associate Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe (rev.lynn@holyfaithchurchsf.org); Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com); and ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com).