Date: Fri 16-Oct-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

St-Rose-Blessing-Animals

Full Text:

Blessing Of The Animals At St Rose School

(with photos)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Sheltered under the pine trees near the school, bunnies snuggled in their

owner's arms, retrievers enthusiastically sniffed and wagged, and a hen pecked

away, all awaiting a blessing from Father Larson.

It was the traditional blessing of the animals in honor of St Francis last

Friday, and parents gathered around, smiling, peeking into each other's

baskets and jars and admiring the small creatures they contained.

A black lab lay quietly watching the proceedings, while a small terrier,

cradled in her owner's arms, excitedly sniffed at the air.

Just as St Francis of Assisi loved all animals, the children of St Rose seemed

filled with love for their animals.

Animals in baskets, cages and their owners arms approached Father Larson, who

took a moment to appreciate the beauty of each one. Then, with a quick motion,

each animal was touched with the holy water.

The cats flinched, the lizard stared and the goldfish were oblivious.

Children, who had pets who could not attend that afternoon, eagerly held up

photos of their pets which Father Larson blessed.

Just as the children so clearly saw the goodness and beauty of their pets,

they were asked this week to look for goodness in all things in life, as St

Francis did.

One child wrote "I found goodness in trees. I lied under a weeping willow tree

because it gives me shade and it is also the home for birds and squirrels."

Another child realized that something he had long considered a nuisance might

actually be good. The student wrote "homework makes the mind grow bigger."

Another student saw how everyday objects can symbolize greater truth, if one

can let their uniqueness shine. The child wrote that "we have all kinds of

people in our world. Some are dark, some are light, some have bumps, while

others are smooth -- just like the gourds on the centerpiece of my kitchen

table. The largest gourd reminds me of God -- no definite shape or color --

and the rest of the gourds remind me of God's people -- no one is alike."

Looking for the good in everything inspired one child to write "I felt like

there was a little spark burning inside of me -- like Jesus opening the door

to my love for Him -- it was kind of weird. When I helped people, I was

helping Jesus."