Blessing the beloved animals

By the dozens they came, prideful smiles on beaming faces and protective strain in their arms as they clutched onto the friends for whom they care.

Critters like Buddy the tortoise, Ace the cockatiel and a delightful little bearded dragon, his fanned face cocking this way and that each time a pair of human eyes shot a curious glance into his tank.

But it was to Father Dave Casaleggio all were looking on this day, this haphazard assemblage of fur, feathers, scales and human hearts to share in the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi -- the custom of invoking God's blessing on the animals of His kingdom.

Traditionally celebrated every Oct. 4, Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church jumped two days ahead by holding the blessing Friday which gave students of their school a special way to end the week.

The event was also open to the public, and plenty of locals came. As a group they listened to Casaleggio's words about respecting animals and showing them love before queuing up and passing, one by one, for a sprinkling of holy water.

But there was no sense of irreverence despite the brewing zaniness with 228 animals on one hot asphalt playground, children pulling leashes, dogs pulling children, adults cradling nervous kitties, lizards riding piggy-back and Tim Cook on guitar strumming out over the loud speaker Chicago's "Saturday in the Park."

Religion, on this day, became a party.

"And it should be," Casaleggio light-heartedly proclaimed. "The music helps organize the chaos. It's an upbeat time; it's not a solemn, get-out-the-incense-and-kneel kind of day."

The Feast is a time of reflection for the roles animals play in humans' lives by helping with work and providing food and clothing. For many today, that expression of thanks has come to include pets' loyalty.

Catholics across the country also celebrated this past weekend. The entire street outside St. Boniface Church in San Francisco was blocked off for two hours Saturday for blessing pets. Pet owners attending weekend ceremonies in Kansas City, Mo., were given frameable copies of the Blessing of Animals prayer. The Cincinnati Police canine and equestrian units, along with animal rescue units, were among the celebrated guests during services in Ohio.

Locally tails wagged like metronomes Friday through the half-hour celebration's noontime end. The sprinkling of holy water did temporarily stop a few, like Charlie, who couldn't quite figure out what had tickled his tail. But, with a smile from the priest and a pat on the head, wiggling rhythms picked up again and joined in the chorus of barks and meows.

"St. Francis was known for gentleness, caring and concern for animals," Casaleggio said. "The Feast is more a reminder of what we've been called to do. The scripture says we have dominion over animals -- that means we are to show concern and compassion for their well being, to be humane, and to be good stewards of God's creations."

The reasons varied from pet owner to pet owner on the importance of blessing animals. Some were asking St. Francis to protect their weak and aging friends. Seven-year-old Alyssa Foy brought her chihuahua-cocker spaniel mix "so that Oakley will be a part of this church."

"We like to know that God watches over all His creatures," said Bridget Mahoney, her two hands clamped on one end of the basket bearing her gray Persian cat, Keisha, and daughter Britta holding the other end. "It's a comfort."

First-timers in the crowd included Ruff, a 7-year-old shepherd-Doberman mix, and Charlie, a big gray cat.

Scooter, though, has never missed a blessing. The docile, 13-year-old dachshund, quivered as the holy water trickled on her fur, once a brilliant black and tan coat now graying with age.

"St. Francis has always been good to Scooter," Jeanette Denison said, her best friend in her arms. "I couldn't ask for a better companion. Day and night, she's always with me. She's so good with children. She goes with me on all my trips."

Ten years ago, Denison ventured to the small Italian town of Assisi in Umbria and attended mass in the church that has preserved St. Francis' cloak, sandals and water bag. A Las Vegas resident since 1951, Denison also has in her home a plaque of St. Francis to which she prays when her animals are ill.

"They get better every time I pray," she confidently smiles. "That, and holy water."

St. Francis, born in Assisi in 1181 or 1182, is known in the Catholic faith as the patron saint of animals. Historians state that he'd planned to follow in his prosperous merchant father's footsteps, but turned to religion and a simple life after being taken hostage during a battle in 1201 and becoming severely ill during his year in captivity. His compassion for animals' well being is as legendary as his caring for lepers and the poor. He is also said to have received the Stigmata -- the bloody wounds Christ is said in the Bible to have suffered when his hands and feet were nailed to the cross.

"Animals give us so much," Denison said as she stroked Scooter's paws. "Dogs are kind and protective. I couldn't ask for a better friend."

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