Hannah Felsbourg
8 October 2024
Over 70 people came together last Sunday to celebrate God’s creation and give thanks for their pets at St James the Great in St Kilda East.
In its 31st year, the event inspired by St Francis of Assisi’s love of animals aimed to make church accessible to those who might not otherwise engage with Christianity.
Pets of all shapes and sizes, including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, were blessed, bringing the community together in a unique and meaningful way.
The Reverend Paul Bower said the service aimed to offer a welcoming experience for all attendees, whether they regularly attended church or not.
Mr Bower said the event gave people a chance to give thanks for their pets as well as all of creation.
He hoped people would feel that the church was a resource available to them and that both they and their pets were valued.
Read more: Every single tree counts as a blessing from God. Please, join in!
A faithful friend at St James the Great's Blessing of the Animals service in 2023. Picture: Supplied
Former patron John-Michael Howson OAM said the Blessing of the Animals had become a significant event, attracting people of all faiths and none.
He said the event had seen a wide range of animals over the years, from dogs and cats to lizards and even a racehorse.
Mr Howson said it was a lovely day for people to come together with their pets and the animals had always behaved remarkably well.
“I believe that Saint Francis of Assisi is there keeping them all in control … they sit with us very quietly, taking it all in. So, it’s a sort of a minor miracle,” he said.
Mr Howson said the event aimed to foster a sense of community beyond traditional church services, with attendees gathering in the garden afterwards for afternoon tea.
He said it was a day to celebrate both pets and the bonds they formed with their owners.
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