Sunday, October 1, 2000
Sunday, October 1, 2000 |
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Animal blessings bestowed Sunday By PAT NEWMAN Two local churches will observe the feast of St. Francis of Assisi Sunday with a blessing of the animals. The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville, pastored by the Rev. Bob Hudak, will confer the blessing at 4 p.m. St. Andrew's-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Peachtree City invites pet owners to participate in its ceremony at 5 p.m. The age-old custom has grown in popularity in recent years, according to Hudak, who compares the unconditional love pets have for their owners to the unconditional love God has for us. Stone-cast images of St. Francis maintain a constant vigil in gardens and meditation corners worldwide. So who was this early animal rights activist and ecologist? Francis was born in 1181, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, in the Italian village of Assisi. He led a privileged life, and today might be referred to as a playboy. Francis served as knight in the Holy Wars, and during his captivity by the enemy he had a life altering revelation. He returned home to renounce his wealth and worldly ways, wearing a rough brown robe cinched with rope belt. He begged for only the things he needed to survive. Francis rejoiced in the natural beauty of the world and called the creatures of the earth his brothers and sisters. His joy was contagious and he drew people to God's message through his itinerant preaching. Eventually, other men wished to follow his life-style and the group became known as the Friars Minor. Today, they are a known as the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church. All pets participating in Sunday's ceremonies must be leashed, if appropriate, and under the control of the owner.
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