HOLY DOG: Christ Episcopal has Blessing of the Animals
Published 9:27 am Friday, October 25, 2024
- Lay minister Tom Lowe, left, watches as Pastor Chipper Long blesses Barbara Jean, who was accompanied by owner Brad Davis. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)
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A small group of pet owners and pets gathered Oct. 19 on the front lawn of Christ Episcopal Church on Pee Dee Avenue in Albemarle for the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals service.
Maureen and Wayne Davis and Boo Boo await the Blessing of the Animals. (Photos by TOBY THORPE)
“This is our second year conducting the service,” said Pastor Chipper Long, who explained that the event is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, who is memorialized in October of each year and is known as “patron saint of the animals.”
Bertie receives blessing from Pastor Chipper Long, left, and lay minister Tom Lowe. Bertie was joined by owner Reggie Poplin. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)
Scripture readings from Genesis 1:1, 20-28 and 31, recounting God’s creation of the animals, and prayers of thanksgiving were followed by blessings of each animal.
“We would like to make this a community-wide event in the future,” Long said, mentioning the possibility of involving other churches and denominations.
Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.
