On Saturday, October 6th, the Parish of St. Matthew, Abbotsford, held
its first annual St. Francis Day "Blessing of the Animals" event.
Shortly after 1pm, Fr. Allen Doerksen took the podium and got things
started by explaining who St. Francis was and invited those who had
gathered to join him in saying the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
Douglas MacAdams had printed a version of the prayer with information
about the ministry and worship of and at St. Matthew’s (click the link
to download). Next on the agenda, His Worship the Mayor, Dr. Bruce
Banmann (accompanied by his Golden Retriever, Macy) thanked the parish
for putting Abbotsford on the map with such an event.
Thereafter, a veritable Ark-load of animals was "unleashed" and the blessings began. The three-hour event was well-attended by the public (120-130) and exhibitors from various animal charities who brought rescue dogs, Abbotsford Police Dog, Titus (who consented to photos with law-abiding children), ferrets, rabbits, raccoons and opossums. A petting zoo, which included a baby donkey, a miniature horse, a goat named "Oreo", quail, exotic chickens and a pot-bellied pig proved a great hit with the younger children. Later reports revealed that Bishop’s Warden and event co-organizer, Carole Keighley had purchased three veggie burgers for Oreo and he ingested them in short order.
There were a total of 32 Pet Blessings performed in the Chapel.
The barbeque, which served up burgers and hot dogs (vegetarian variety of course) was also popular with shaded outdoor seating (white tablecloths and flower vases). Most members of the congregation "pitched" in with the erection and striking of tents and other displays and all was more or less back to normal on the premises by 5 pm.
There were a total of 32 Pet Blessings performed in the Chapel.
The barbeque, which served up burgers and hot dogs (vegetarian variety of course) was also popular with shaded outdoor seating (white tablecloths and flower vases). Most members of the congregation "pitched" in with the erection and striking of tents and other displays and all was more or less back to normal on the premises by 5 pm.
The parish members of the organizing team (Carole Keighley, Bishop's Warden and Ria Ferguson, Parish Council Member) wish to recognize the invaluable and indefatigable assistance of Blessing of the Animals event partner, Dr. Elizabethh Borgmann, owner of Whatcom road Whatcom Road Veterinary Hospital, and her caring and professional staff of veterinarians and veterinary assistants in organizing the exhibitors and donating their valuable time in so many ways. All proceeds from the event (including the proceeds from a silent auction to which numerous individuals and local businesses had donated items) added up to almost $3,000 dollars and are to be equally divided amongst the participating animal welfare charities.
The event was dubbed an unqualified success by both organizers and attendees (the animals seemed to have a pretty good time, as well). Plans are already in the offing for next year's event.
Images: Homepage, Father Allen and Friar David West prepare to Bless the Animals. Top, Cpl Doug Buchanan and Titus of the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service make some new friends.
Upper left, Oreo the veggie-burger eating goat. Middle right, the chapel. Lower left, Co-organizer, Ria Ferguson. Lower right, a Ferret who was referred to veterinary assistants as a "Stretched-mouse." Below, Dr. Elizabeth Borgmann and Mayor Banmann with his dog Macy.
PHOTOS: Peter Keighley