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Blessing of the pets

St. Mary Church in Martins Ferry holds annual event on Friday afternoon

MARTINS FERRY — Horses, dogs, cats, ferrets and geckos were blessed Friday afternoon at St. Mary Central School’s playground in Martins Ferry.

The Rev. John Mucha blessed the pets behind St. Mary Church in Martins Ferry after students attended Mass.

“We feel our pets play a special part in our lives, and we remember the special connection St. Francis has with animals and his gentle way of caring for the Earth,” said Annette Wiater, sixth grade homeroom teacher and liturgical coordinator. “We look toward saints as role models to show us how we can be more like Jesus.”

For the last 15 years, St. Mary Central School has invited its students to bring their pets to receive a blessing on the Feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4.

Wiater said the school begins with a Mass remembering St. Francis and his friend St. Clare, who gave up riches to help the poor. St. Francis believed all of God’s creations are reflected in his beauty and presence. He is also the patron saint of pets and animals, which means he offers protection and prayers to them.

According to published reports, St. Francis gave up his wealth to live among the poor. As the years passed and he traveled and spread the word of God, Francis learned to appreciate the little things in God’s creation.

“He realized that all of creation is one,” according to the article, “and he addressed the sun, the moon, the rivers and the animals as his brothers and sisters.”

After Mass, the students met their parents, grandparents and parishioners who brought their pets to the blessing.

Two students also dressed up – one as St. Francis of Assisi from the story of the Wolf of Gubbio and another as St. Clare, a friend of St. Francis who started the Order of Poor Clare’s who took care of the poor in France.

Mucha said prayers before taking the holy water to bless the animals with.

Wiater said it is evident there is genuine love for the pets as people bring them to the blessing.

“We show our respect and love for God’s creatures on his feast day,” Wiater said, “and ask for God’s blessings upon our pets and all animals who bring us comfort and companionship.”

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