Aurora churches partner to bless 20 pets

Posted October 05, 2021 11:00 pm

Submitted by Al Benson

Two Aurora churches partnered to bless 20 pets in an annual blessing service Sunday, Oct. 3.

Joining Chicago area faith communities in blessing services were New England Congregational Church and Our Savior Lutheran, site of the Aurora service.

Bestowing blessings were pastors Rev. Dr. Brandon Perrine of New England Congregational and Rev. Julie Grafe, Our Savior Lutheran.

Rev. Perrine said the service was a first for New England.

Blessings for 20 animals, mostly dogs, followed a worship service at Our Savior.

Included were hymns, a responsive reading and unison and responsive prayers before a sending forth.

A reception concluded the event with treats provided by New England church youth for pets and people.

The annual pet blessing is inspired by St. Francis (1181-1226), a friar from Assisi, Italy. He is the patron saint of the environment and animals because he loved all creatures and allegedly preached to even the birds.

Aurora pastors Rev. Brandon Perrine, left, of New England Congregational Church, and Rev. Julie Grafe of Our Savior Lutheran, bless Dulcie, held by owner Pam Olsen of Aurora Oct. 3. Courtesy of Ron Nickerson

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