My belated contribution to Animal Week on Doves & Serpents
This year, our family observed General Conference by attending the local Episcopal church. My high school-aged daughter had the opportunity to sing with a friend in the choir for their observance of the Feast of St. Francis. So rather than sit in a darkened room watching a video screen, we packed up our guinea pig in his little carrier and headed off to spend Sunday morning in the company of animals.
Whatever my expectations were, they were exceeded. We arrived and joined the throng of pet owners headed into the sanctuary for the main service. The Cathedral is large and made of stone and contains many stained glass windows. The sanctuary is two+ stories high and the pews are heavy oak. All around us were animals, mostly dogs. Dogs of every size and description. There were also cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and even favorite stuffed animals in the hands of small children. The dogs mostly got along, although every hymn was accompanied by a canine cacophony and at one point the sermon was interrupted by barking and the priest said, “Excuse me, sir.” It was really amazing to share that sacred space with so many pets. Homage was paid to their wild friends, and all my favorite nature related hymns were sung.
Not being a student of saints, at least not the catholic ones, I did a bit of research about St. Francis. We all know him as the patron saint of animals, but I was interested to learn that he was once a wealthy merchant’s son who chose a life of poverty and homelessness when he was converted, or called. He literally traveled with out purse or scrip, serving the poor by living amongst them, and preaching of Jesus Christ. He nursed lepers, the lowest of low in society, in his efforts to be like Christ.
Having spent a few years of my young life in a mostly Catholic community, I was vaguely aware of St. Clare, an associate of St. Francis, since it was assumed I was her namesake. I was interested to learn that St. Clare ran away from a planned arranged marriage to a wealthy man to join the religious life and founded a women’s religious order following St. Francis, the Order of Poor Ladies, or the Poor Clares. She is known for having written the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Go St. Clare!
All in all, a very interesting Sabbath day. There was an animal blessing held outside after the service, too! It’s been interesting to wrap my mind around tangible ‘blessings’ done by non-LDS religious groups; the Blessing of the Backpacks, for example, in which children take school related objects to church to be blessed. It sounds so foreign to Mormon ears, but I can see a lot of value in the tradition and the ritual, just as I see value in the annual back-to-school Priesthood blessing. 
Oh, Claire, I love this. I especially love seeing the pictures of the priests. An African American and a WOMAN! Makes me realize what we’re missing.
I know! Cool, huh?
My husband and I personally feel that there is little which is more beneficial to expanding our children’s minds than to expose them to myriad cultures, religions and peoples. Kudos to you for so respectfully showing your child the joy that can be found in this world, whether it is “your” beliefs or not.
By the way, the first photo is of me and my daughter with her guinea pig, Mojo, being blessed.
I don’t usually think pugs are cute (ducking) but I loved this photo of the pug with the female priest.
Love this post. And the pictures! So awesome! I want to give my kids experiences like this, too. Way to be an awesome mom, Claire!