After a two-year hiatus we didn't know what to expect. We had posted the flyers and scheduled the announcement to run on the city electronic billboard. The old priest had retired, and the new guy asked twice for directions. We've seen this before at church events. Somehow it was going to work out.
Today was the Blessing of the Animals at the Foster City Dog Park. For the uninitiated the Blessing of the Animals is how the Catholic and Anglican traditions celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. His name is honored throughout the Western World; the city 20 miles to the north is named after him--perhaps you've heard of it?
30 pets and their owners came by for a prayer. One lady, not a church member, said that she missed this annual event. She even posted a notice on
Nextdoor, obviating our need to do so.
Everyone who came for a blessing stopped to chat, perhaps encouraged by Brenda's home-made biscuits.
The two hours went by quickly.
The coronavirus has re-ordered everyone's priorities. With fewer opportunities for in-person contact, pets have become more important to a lot of people. It's safe to say that the Blessing of the Animals will be on the calendar next year.
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