Anyone driving down Medical Park Drive on the morning of October 5th would have noticed a strange and raucous site.  Unlike the usual parade of uniformed students gathering for the beginning of the school day, this was a procession of animals – lots of them - dogs, cats, birds, snakes, frogs, turtles, hamsters, fish and more.  It was the gathering of students and pets for our annual Blessing of the Animals.  This tradition at St. John’s School celebrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all of God’s creatures.

Father Tietjen was happy to be part of it.  “This is the first year I got a chance to see all of the animals.  I've always enjoyed animals -- I took St. Francis as my confirmation name because he's their patron saint -- and so I'm glad I was given the opportunity to bless them and their owners that Friday”

By 8:30 a.m., the children and their pets had gathered on the playground.  Amidst the barks and yips of the animals and the cajoling of their owners, Father Tietjen began the blessing. The students then led their pets towards Father Tietjen to receive their individual blessing with holy water. The procession continued around the playground for all to see. Many of the pets in attendance were familiar to students from prior years’ blessings or visits with friends. Others were new to the blessing and welcomed just as heartily by all.

 “All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made.” St. Francis writes in his Canticle of the Sun.  The Feast of St Francis calls us to recognize the beauty and importance of our pets and of all God’s creation in our lives.