Bring a picnic and your pet for Blessing of the Animals

The Rev. Canon Linda Potter has definite plans for the Blessing of the Animals at 6:30 p.m. today at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West St., Wheaton.

"I told the deacon that if he'll bless the snakes, I'll bless the spiders," Potter said.

Actually, Potter is expecting the animals attending the traditional Blessing of the Animals ceremony to be more typical pets: dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, turtles.

"Some members of our congregation own horses," she said. "I'm curious if they'll bring them."

The ceremony falls today because it is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. The blessing of each individual animal, whether on a leash, in a cage or in its owner's arms, will be followed by a picnic on the church's front lawn. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved to Millett Hall.

"We've not done a picnic before," Potter said, "but because it's around the dinner hour, it seems appropriate. It will be very relaxed, with each family bringing its own picnic basket."

Of course, the pets will probably be expecting either their usual meal or some special treat.

"If it works, we'll repeat it next year," she said.

Potter said she isn't worried about the usual natural instincts of animals.

"The idea is that the animals will roam, but if an animal is skittish, it's in the pet's best interest to put it back in the cage," she said. "Anyone who has marched in a parade knows that accidents happen, just like with children.

"Most animals that I've had (in previous years) have been OK with each other," she added.

She admits that one time a very brightly colored parrot talked through the entire ceremony.

The church is handicapped accessible and the ceremony and picnic are open to the entire community.

For details, call (630) 665-1101.

If you go

What:Trinity Episcopal Church's Blessing of the Animals followed by a picnic

When:6:30 p.m. today

Where:Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West St., Wheaton

Call:(630) 665-1101