SANGER – Do you have a gerbil? Have it blessed. A snake? Bring it. An emu? Why not? In fact, all creatures, big and small – and regardless of their denomination – are welcome to be blessed in October at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Sanger.
Father Dave Peterson – Father Dave – will be laying hands on animals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians starting at 9:30 a.m. on Oct 6. He said if the event proves popular, it may become a regular event.
“Some churches do this once a year,” he said. “Some do it once a month. I am hoping this will catch on at Holy Cross.”
“The Blessing of Animals is a beloved tradition that honors the unique bond between humans and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions,” noted a church press release. “All pets, regardless of size, breed, or species are welcome to attend.”
Father Dave is in his second year at the church. He said the event is free and open to the public. He noted the service will be shorter than usual.
“Not a good idea to keep animals waiting,” he said. The animals will receive a special St. Francis blessing.
Holy Cross rents the building and Father Dave said the church received permission to conduct the blessing inside.
“It might be a little crazy,” he said. This is his first animal blessing since being ordained. But it is not his first rodeo, so to speak. “I attended a blessing as a lay person where someone brought in a donkey to be blessed,” he said.
Father Dave said Holy Cross has a small congregation – roughly 50 regular attendees. This is up from the 24 congregants when he took over two years ago.
Donations are welcome.
“We will give money to Bully Rescue here in Sanger,” he said. Fresno Bully Rescue is a no-kill shelter located in Sanger that specializes in rescuing and adopting out bully breeds – American Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Terriers, etc.
Treats for animals and humans will be provided.
Holy Cross Anglican Church is located at 828 O Street. For more information, contact 559-255-4883 or email hcanglicanrector@gmail.com.
