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Hinsdale Blessing of Pets celebrates St. Francis of Assisi
The Rev. Christian Pierce blessesHinsdale resident Charlie Crawford's dog Dodi during the pet blessing at Grace Episcopal Church to celebrate the feast of St. Francis. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 12, 2012 10:56AM
HINSDALE — The blessing of pets held Sunday outside Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale is a reminder to appreciate all God’s creatures, said C. Christian Pierce, the rector of Grace Episcopal.
The blessing was part of the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his compassion for animals and love of nature.
“The words and prayers and litany were calling us to respect creation, all of creation,” said Pierce, who presided over the ceremony held in the courtyard of the church on First Street at Garfield Avenue: “It’s fitting to bless the animals as part of that message.”
The ceremony included a reading of the prayer of St. Francis, which begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.”
About 20 dogs and a few mice received the minister’s blessing, said Linda Reynertson, publications director for Grace church, who brought her two rescue dogs, Lucy and Matty.
On Sunday morning, representatives of the West Suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove brought a dog that needs a home and talked to church members about the humane society’s services.
