Rahul Somvanshi
Dogs, cats, rabbits, and reptiles will receive blessings from clergy at churches this week as congregations observe the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4.
The annual services draw pet owners to church lawns and outdoor sanctuaries. Animals must remain leashed or in carriers during ceremonies.
Duke Chapel Hosts Annual Service
Duke University Chapel’s Blessing of the Animals takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 5, on the chapel lawn. The 30-minute service includes music from the Durham Children’s Choir, scripture readings, and a sermon. Individual blessings follow immediately after.
The Rev. Bruce Puckett, Assistant Dean of Duke University Chapel, has participated since 2009. Attendees have brought dogs, cats, snakes, horses, lizards, hamsters, and gerbils.
“Every kind of animal, I’ve seen it on the lawn of Duke Chapel,” Puckett said.
Duke’s tradition started in 1989. The Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark, former Pastor of the Congregation at Duke University Chapel, and Duke Divinity student Rondy Elliott created the original service.
Ministers also bless photos or mementos of deceased pets. “This can be an opportunity to share your grief and your joys about that animal’s life with someone else,” Puckett said. “These animals become part of your life, your family, and your everyday rhythms.”
Pet owners are responsible for their animals and are asked to bring only pets that will be safe around children and other animals.
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Francis Tradition Dates to the 13th Century
The Blessing of the Animals service is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian Catholic friar who lived a life of voluntary poverty and is known for his love of animals. He believed the natural world could give glory to God, writing in his song Canticle of the Sun, “Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures.”
Rev. Laurie Manning led Skyline Community Church’s 27th annual service in Oakland on September 29. Attendees ranged across denominations and religions. “It feels like a reunion that transcends religious boundaries,” Manning said.
“I really don’t think that we’re blessing them,” Manning said. “They bless us every single day.”
Seattle Cathedral Welcomes All Creatures
St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle held its 2024 service at 4:30 p.m. with prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth. The service welcomed those without animal companions and accepted stuffed animals and photographs of pets “who would not find attending the event a blessed experience.” Animals should remain leashed or kenneled.
Duke Community Shares Long History
“Not only are we a spiritual center for the campus, but we think of ourselves as a place where the Durham community and the wider Triangle community can gather to celebrate, pray, and do joyful things together,” Puckett said.
Allison Dimsdale, a 27-year member of the Duke workforce, has brought dogs to the event since the 1990s. She recalls seeing Duke Chapel ministers dip their fingers in fishbowl water to bless goldfish. She won’t attend this year because her three rescued hounds are “a little on the wild side.”The events discussed include blessing services scheduled at churches for October 2025, safety requirements for attending pets, and the historical connection to St. Francis of Assisi.
