“Tinkerbell” and “Sir Winston” and “Pocahontas” may not have been around themselves, but with owners clutching photos of their beloved critters, the blessing counted just the same. Three dozen people gathered outside Whitley Auditorium on Oct. 4 for Elon University’s annual “Blessing of the Animals” in honor of the Catholic feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. The half-hour Thursday morning event featured Scripture readings, prayer and pet introductions that entailed students and faculty holding photos to share stories about their pets.
“She’s been a blessing to me, but she’s going through her ‘Terrible Two’s,’” Cindy Novak, an Elon wellness coordinator, said of her horse, “Tinkerbell.” “So pray for us both!”
Elon student Stephen Ferguson brought two small stuffed animals to the blessing, one of which – “Wheelie” – he attaches to the steering wheel of his car.
“He watches out for me when I’m driving,” Ferguson said, “so I thought it’d be a good idea to come here and have him blessed.”
The Rev. Gerry Waterman, with the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, led the morning service. He recounted the legend of how Francis, an early 13th century Roman Catholic friar, earned his reputation of preaching to animals. One day, while traveling with his friends, Francis saw a flock of birds and went to preach the power of God. None of the birds flew off as he approached.
That reputation is what leads to animal blessing ceremonies on Thursday.
“We’ve always honored the relationship of people to their pets even if we didn’t have the pets present,” said the Rev. Richard McBride, who serves as the university chaplain. “It’s a reminder that we live in larger relationships than just human relationships.”