It was a lively occasion as a pair of Great Danes, a cat named Gus, and an elderly Beagle-Lab mix named Seamus were among the four-legged attendees gathered Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6, at Palos United Methodist Church for the annual pet blessing celebrating the Feast of St. Francis.
Pastor Caitlyn Nesbit led the ceremony at 12101 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights for families and their furry—or not-so-furry—companions. She offered blessings throughout the weekend in honor of the Feast of St. Francis, which observes the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
“Around Oct. 4, most churches celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with a traditional pet blessing,” Nesbit said. The ceremony recognized and celebrated the bond between humans and their pets, as St. Francis encouraged.
With wagging tails and Gus peering through his see-through carrier, attendees joined in singing “I Sing the Almighty Power of God,” followed by a reading from Genesis 1 and a prayer.
Gurp and Melissa Ahluwalia, Palos Hills residents, were among those receiving blessings for their 6-month-old kitten, Gus, who garnered attention from both humans and canines, remaining unbothered.
“He doesn’t care,” Melissa said amid the barking and socializing. Unlike his sister, Tango, who didn’t attend, Gus was brought in photo form on Melissa’s phone. “Not her scene,” she added, “but no problem for our Gus.”
First-time participants Ashley Fiala and Julia Danko attended with their 1-year-old Great Danes, Atticus and Minka. “We’ve asked for peace and harmony for these two,” Fiala said, noting the blessing for the energetic pups. Atticus and Minka were popular among both two- and four-legged guests.
Fiala also sought blessings for her pets at home, including feline siblings Cheeto and Willow, and Poppy, the family’s 7-year-old Coonhound.
Seamus, a 12-year-old Beagle-Lab mix, had much to say after the ceremony. His owner, Carol Cronin, a Palos United Methodist Church council member, shared that she’s been bringing Seamus for years.
“I always pray for good health and prosperity for Seamus,” Cronin said. She also enjoyed seeing both familiar and new faces in the community.
Cronin, a lifelong member of the church, highlighted its services, including a recently expanded food pantry. “With deliveries on Mondays and pickups on Tuesdays, Sue Greer has been instrumental in keeping things running smoothly,” Cronin added.
Though the event primarily drew canine friends, all pets were welcome.
“We’ve had gerbil friends in the past; all are welcome,” Nesbit said. Palos Hills residents and those from neighboring towns are encouraged to look out for the church’s annual pet blessing.
