News Summary
Over 120 pets were blessed at St. James Episcopal Church’s Annual Blessing of the Animals, featuring a variety of animals and a special pet parade. The event, commemorating the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, highlights the bond between humans and their pets. Rev. Cindy Voorhees noted an increase in participation this year, with highlights including a contest for the ‘Most Religious Dog.’ The event fosters community spirit and gratitude towards pets, strengthening ties among attendees.
Newport Beach, California – Over 120 pets received blessings at St. James Episcopal Church’s Annual Blessing of the Animals, held on October 1, 2023. This special event aligns with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, celebrated annually around October 4.
Rev. Canon Cindy Voorhees observed a marked increase in interest for this year’s blessing, with numerous inquiries and calls leading up to the event. Last year, the church welcomed over 100 animals, including a diverse array of pets such as dogs, snakes, guinea pigs, and birds. This year, attendance surpassed 120, primarily featuring dogs.
For the safety and well-being of the animals, Rev. Voorhees advises against bringing cats to the service, citing their higher stress levels in such settings. Pets of various species participated, reinforcing the event’s inclusive and joyful atmosphere. Notable attendees included a tortoise named Esiotrot, an iguana named Roxy, a hamster named Stabablifki, and a scorpion named Jellybean. The blessing service also featured the tradition of distributing St. Francis medals to pets.
The Blessing of the Animals is particularly significant for the congregation, standing as the third most holy day, following Easter and Christmas. The event not only highlights the deep bond between humans and their pets but also provides an opportunity for the community to come together in gratitude and celebration.
Among the attendees was Christine Gustafson, who brought her dog Avery after discovering the church’s event through the neighborhood social network, Nextdoor. Gary Scannell has consistently brought his rescue dog, Ted, for blessings since adopting him from the Laguna Beach Shelter, emphasizing the annual event’s importance for pet owners.
This year’s event included a pet parade and a contest for the “Most Religious Dog,” where owners and their furry companions competed for prizes. Holly, a dog dressed in bishop attire, won the contest, bringing even more excitement to the occasion. Following the festivities, the community gathered for a lunch, further solidifying the bond among attendees.
While pets are generally welcomed in church services every Sunday, this annual blessing holds a special place in the hearts of congregation members. The event not only honors the animals but also fosters a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for the companionship and joy that pets bring into their lives.
Overall, the Annual Blessing of the Animals at St. James Episcopal Church continues to grow in popularity, showcasing the loving connection between humans and their beloved pets, and strengthening community ties.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Paws and Blessings at Newport Beach Church
- Wikipedia: Animal Blessing
- West Side Spirit: Blessing of the Animals
- Google Search: Blessing of Animals
- San Diego Union Tribune: Animal Blessing News
- Google Scholar: Blessing of Animals Tradition
- Newport Beach Independent: Blessing of the Animals at St. James
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saint Francis of Assisi
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
