Church to bless animals
By JOLENE CRAIG jcraig@newsandsentinel.comPARKERSBURG- The First United Methodist Church will again conduct a blessing of the animals Saturday at the church in Parkersburg.
"The Blessing of the Animals is something we have done for a number of years specifically to bless the creatures of God who do not worship in the way we do," said the Rev. Timothy J. Allen.
The blessings begin at 6 p.m. at the church parking lot at 1001 Juliana St. and will continue until the last animal has been blessed.
"We won't turn anyone away, with two legs or four," Allen said.
All pets in attendance will receive a blessing as the congregation celebrates "all creatures of our God and King."
The event commemorates St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who lived in the 12th century and is most closely associated with the trend of animal blessings. It is during or near Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, when the animals are blessed.
"St. Francis developed a profound connection with living things through his fascination with nature," Allen said. "His main inspiration came from animals and he viewed animals as living examples of spiritual integrity, blessing them and striving to understand and connect with them."
The saint is remembered for his love of all creatures, especially birds, and is probably most known for his "Canticle to the Creatures" and "Sermon to the Birds."
"There are a number of famous legends about St. Francis and animals, which is why we do a blessing of them each year," Allen said.
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yourstruly
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10-20-09 11:55 PM
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Never discuss politics or religon. I am by no means a fan of orginized religion but, as long as they are not charging them to be blessed what are they doing wrong? I wonder if they are going to bless serpent's?
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CinnamonGirl
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10-19-09 7:30 PM
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Does it have to be in the Bible to be true? Does it have to an exact quote/verse/chapter? I don't believe every thing I read/hear or see and I also believe things that I can't see, so....it's all a matter of personal belief. And, in the blessing, maybe they bless the animal that they will be companions, faithful, smart and happy.....the main thing is, the PEOPLE are comforted and can believe as they wish, like you. You may believe but are free to NOT believe, we have different ideas and views, why LAUGH and accuse that Branch of the Christian faith of copy catting (pun intended) the Catholics? No reason to taunt, begrudge or heckle them, why not let them live in peace and do as they wish?
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Lexolly
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10-19-09 5:55 PM
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Believe me, I love my animals a lot. But, first off, to ask for a blessing for your pets, you do not need to take them to a church to do it. You can do it yourself just the same as asking for a blessing on your food. Also, nowhere in the Bible does it declare animals go to heaven. Only those with souls will go to Heaven or Hell. If you can show me an exact verse in the Bible that even references this, I will gladly take my comment back. I only base my beliefs on the Bible however. It would be great for our beloved pets to go to heaven also, but I am sure by the time we get there, there will be more wonderful things to see than a pet from long ago.
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CinnamonGirl
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10-19-09 4:54 PM
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I'm just curious as to why you think it's ridiculous MatthewBB? It's a Church activity, if that's what they want to do in their spare time to comfort their congregation, that's their freedom of choice. Now, granted, it isn't for everyone, it isn't my cup of tea, but neither is playing Wii or Gamecube all day, or pole dancing, or bungee jumping....etc etc etc....to each his/her own. :D
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MatthewBB
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10-19-09 3:57 PM
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my dogs have souls. however, but this is ridiculous
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MatthewBB
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10-19-09 3:57 PM
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my dogs have souls. however, but this is ridiculous
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CinnamonGirl
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10-19-09 2:24 PM
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I hope they can accompany me on my journey.
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CinnamonGirl
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10-19-09 2:24 PM
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First off, who are we to determine whom or what has a soul and whom or what doesn't? Many people who have pets, depend on them for friendship and companionship, they want their furry friends to have the benefit of a blessing as well, this isn't really for the pet, the pet doesn't care, tho they may be excited to socialize. This is for the pet parent, for them to feel happy and secure that their little furball is blessed in the same manner that they are. Why laugh at and begrudge someone to have their pet blessed? If it brings them comfort, why do you care? Also, I didn't know the Catholics had dibs or firsts on Sainthood? My little pets all have their own individual personalities and are not just furry robots, they are smart, comical and loving, I tend to believe that they have little souls too and that wherever we end up when we get out of this life, that we will see one another again, be it the Rainbow Bridge or Heaven or H-ell or Valhalla or Mars,
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Lexolly
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10-19-09 1:06 PM
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HAHAHAHAHAHA Animals don't even have souls. And since when do the Methodist act like Catholics following after saints and such? I have never read anywhere in the Bible where Jesus blessed animals. HE is the one they are supposed to be following. Lol!
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