The Sunday evening service at Christ Church Little Rock this weekend closed out with a bark rather than an Amen.
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the church invited its members to bring their pets to the 6 p.m. service and allow their animals to receive a blessing from the church’s reverends. A little over 30 people gathered outside the church at 509 Scott St. — dogs, cats and turtles in tow — while the reverends moved throughout the crowd, blessing the animals as well as their owners.
Dan Carter, 61, and his wife Jean, 59, of Little Rock brought their dog, Belle, and cat, Butters, to be blessed. They said they’ve been members of the church for 25 years and it has been a tradition ever since they started attending. Belle, a black lab, has been blessed once a year since she was born 13 years ago.
Some pets have come and gone during this tradition and been replaced with new ones, as in the case of 4-year-old Baby — a small, white, fluffy dog adorned with a tiny pink bow. Baby’s owners Ann Rhoads, 58, and Anita Aebersold, 59, of Little Rock said they’ve been bringing their pets for over 20 years.
Rev. Kate Alexander said the day is not only meant to honor the animals but the relationship between the animals and their owners.
“It’s the best service of the year,” Alexander said. “You can hear panting throughout the service.”
The practice is common in rural communities, where dogs and cats are replaced with horses and cattle who are blessed to keep them safe as they work.
“St. Francis spent time preaching to the birds,” Alexander said. “We bless the animals, bless them for being in our lives.”
The service celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which is Oct. 4.