Several Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic parishes have hosted pet blessings throughout Lake County and the surrounding area in recent weeks in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
“On the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, we bless animals as a way to honor the profound love St. Francis had for all of God’s creatures, and to celebrate the special bond people have with their beloved animals,” Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, said.
“This tradition reflects St. Francis’ deep love for all living creatures and reminds us of our responsibility to care for them with kindness and respect,” he continued. “It is a moment to give thanks for the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives, recognizing them as gifts from God.”
Lake County parishes offering pet blessings included: the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown, the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest, Saint Anne Catholic Community in Barrington, Our Lady of the Lakes at St. Bede, Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and at Holy Cross Church.
At Holy Cross Church in Deerfield on Saturday, Deacon Kevin Garvey offered a narrative and the pet blessing.
“The love of animals is what we’re showing today,” Garvey said before the blessing. “And as we all know, the animals love us even more than we love them.”
“Did you know St. Francis is a deacon? He’s a deacon … so that’s why I like him a lot,” he said with a laugh. “He’s maybe our greatest saint, and he was a deacon.”
St. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscans in 1209, “and he lived an unbelievable life, rejecting all the riches of his family,” Garvey said. “He’s an example that I think most of us would find too hard to follow.”
Deerfield’s pet blessing promoted the option of donations, including pet food benefiting a Lake County animal shelter. Leashed dogs were abundant, but there were two guinea pigs brought from their carriers to be held for the holy water blessing by Garvey.
The guinea pigs, named Iggy and Zavey, are kept by Patrick and Amy Gleeson of Northbrook.
Amy Gleeson said the blessing was important because, “It’s just kind of one of those cultural Catholic things that kind of motivated me initially. The boys (Iggy and Zavey) are getting older at this point, and we thought it would be nice before they eventually are ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge.”
The Rainbow Bridge is a reference to a heavenly place where animals go upon their death.
Marie Maro, a Holy Cross parishioner from Des Plaines and friend Jody Meyers of Wheeling made sure Maro’s two pups, Nikki and Sophie, who are sisters, received blessings.
“St. Francis is very important to me,” she said. “Dogs I’ve had over the years, he’s always interceded and helped when they were sick. We prayed to St. Francis. I’ve always been taught that, and I just have a love of St. Francis.”
Remy, 1, a male mixed breed, jumped when the pup received sprinkled holy water from Garvey. Bob and Jen Siuty of Lake Forest, and children Ben, 12, and Emily, 10, brought Remy.
“They need all the help they can get,” Jen Siuty said. “It’s important for them to stay healthy and happy, and anything that can help with that, and give a little bit back to them because they give a lot to us.
“They’re definitely part of the family,” she said.
