Blessing of The Animals
A Philosophy of Approach
Why Bless the Animals?
When we bless something, we focus our attention on the perfection that God put into it when God created it. When we bless what is good in our lives we increase it, adding our positive energy to the positive energy that is already a part of it. When we bless something that is not good, we cause the negativity in it to decrease because we are replacing it with positive energy. Blessing(s) increase(s) the positive energy field in everything that exists in our Universe.
The Rev. Terri Lorenz, along with other local clergy, perform a hands-on Blessing of the Animals - including horses, rabbits, hamsters, snakes, birds, turtles, iguanas, fish, guinea pigs, ferrets, hedge hogs, sugar-gliders, geckos, gerbils, skinks, mice, rats, foxes and of course, dogs and puppies, cats and kittens.
Each animal is blessed for a long life, good health and a happy home. The owner is blessed with a charge for their unique responsibility to ensure the animals well-being as well as their relationship that can continue the blessing to who or whatever the connect with in their life journey.
Would you like to hold a Blessing of the Animals in your church or community?
We have experimented with a number of ways to hold a Blessing of the Animals that provides the greatest amount of pleasure for the Animals, their owners and our volunteers and we offer the following suggestions based on our experience. However, whatever format you choose, or order of service you follow, we can guarantee you one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
We offer the following suggestions based on our personal experience:
Since this is an outdoor event, you will want to choose a season in your area of the country when the weather is mild with as little chance of rain as possible. The ground needs to be firm, not muddy. If you live in a warm climate and October 4th happens to fall in a good weather season, you may want to tie your celebration into the Feast of Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was especially loved for acknowledging the Spirit of God in all creatures.
Who is served by a Blessing of the animals?
Animals are an extension of the family and very much beloved by their owners. Many people fuss over their pets in the same way they do their children and are very upset when their animals become ill or make their transition. By honoring the significance of these special family members, we provide joy and comfort to their owners - and the pets benefit as well. Owners have reported that the blessing drew forth more loving behavior in their pets. Some owners have reported better health for themselves and their animal - after a blessing.
Where is the Blessing Held?
If you know of a church or a community center with a large grassy area that space is ideal. Some Blessing of the Animals Ceremonies, however, have been held in city parks or at the home or farm of a willing volunteer.
Must the Animals be Leashed?
It is amazing how well the animals get along together in this special setting, but we do encourage pet owners to bring their pets in carriers or on leashes. It assures the owners that nothing is going to startle the animal and cause it to run away in a strange neighborhood.
How does the Ceremony Work?
The WeDo Order of Service begins with a Bible reading from Genesis I:26 and from Genesis 6:18-21. It is quite nice to hear various local clergy present various aspects of the ceremony. And, then the animals line up in the Blessing Spot(s) -- a long table and a stool, preferably in a shady spot where each animal is individually blessed for “Long Life, Good Health and a Happy Home.” If possible, each animal is held or gently handled by the blessing Minister.We can’t explain why the animals stand patiently in line for the blessing, nose to tail with other animals of all kinds, but it is amazing to watch.
What are the Benefits of the Blessing?
Blessing one animal changes the Universal consciousness of the planet toward all animals in a positive way. God Loves the Animals! In the Biblical allegory of Noah and the Ark, it is clear that God provided for the blessing of many more animals than God did people.
IMPORTANT Points of Interest
Further, an individual blessing for the owner's beloved pets brings comfort to the animal owners in your congregation because it is supportive of something that is dear to them and important to their way of life. They are pleased when their church or organization or community Spiritually supports the well-being of the animals that they love.
Animals help to create community by introducing animal-lovers to other animal-lovers and helping them find a common ground. And this event fosters intergenerational communion, attracting visitors in strollers, wheelchairs, on bicycles, on foot and on walkers, by horseback, in trucks, cars and on motorcycles.
This event, if properly publicized, is a very attractive and a positive event to the media.
