‘Blessing Of The Animals’ Held By Second Chance For Animals

The Rev. Scott Russell, left and the Rev. Joanna Hollis before the Blessing of the Animals at the Franklin Township Animal Shelter.

More than a dozen dogs and cats were blessed Oct. 14 during the Second Chance for Animals Blessing of the Animals.

The event, held outside the Franklin Township Animal Shelter in the Municipal Complex, was officiated by the Rev. Joanna Hollis of Christ Episcopal Church in New Brunswick and the Rev. Scott Russell, the Rutgers University Episcopal chaplain.

The actual blessing of the animals was preceded by a prayer and the singing of a song.

“It’s not just us blessing the animals like they are something separate, they are our family,” Rev. Hollis said. “And it’s a reminder to us of how much they also bless us each and every day.”

“Our pets are the one who greet us, even the ones who aren’t so fuzzy and can’t come out of their water or their cages or whatever, they give us so much in their affection and in their love,” she said. “Today is about all of that, to celebrate all of creation and that reflection of how much they bless us as well.”

After the blessings, the animals were given small St. Francis medallions for their collars.

Second Chance for Animals is the organization that funds the animal shelter.

Your Thoughts

comments