Blessing of the (Stuffed) Animals

The Blessing of the Animals is a charming custom many churches observe to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi's feast day on October 4.  Charming and potentially messy, especially if someone brings a horse. And no one should ever lay hands on a turtle without being gloved.

Deny a blessing to this fine bear?

Indeed it was the poop-n-pee factor that prompted one of Fr. Martha Stewart's infamous "not on my watch" soliloquies.*

But what if it's outside? What if parishioners plan it and clean up after it? "Not on my watch."

I thought my solution was the best: Why don't we have a Blessing of the Stuffed Animals? My fine suggestion earned me one of Fr. Martha Stewart's infamous "looks."

Years later, that parish ended up having a Blessing of the Animals. Outside. Organized by parishioners. By then, Mr. Oatmeal and I had left to receive our berakot elsewhere.


*Others in this category: CYO, Bingo, Boy Scouts of America meetings