EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Seven, Number One November/December 1997 Landmark Downtown Churches Unite to Celebrate Blessing of the Animals by Mary Sue Hannan Sunday, October 5, marked the first time the Basilica of St. Mary, the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mark and the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, all in downtown Minneapolis, joined together to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Each church developed a liturgy in its own tradition, focusing on the Sacredness of All Creation and the Blessing of the Animals. Approximately 2000 people, and almost as many pets, gathered in the three large churches to honor all gifts of creation. The services incorporated a Procession of the Animals. An elephant, camel, burro, llama, cow, red tail hawk and service dogs participated in person. Fish, frogs and insects were present in spirit through the colorful creations of the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater. Following the church services, the St. Francis Festival came to life in the nearby park. Pets received individual blessings. Many groups had booths, including the International Wolf Center, the Raptor Center, Kids for Saving Earth, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Hennepin County Animal Humane Society, various service dog and animal rescue organizations and Friends of Boundary Waters Wilderness. Music, food, face painting and street theater were also part of the warm, sunny autumn afternoon. The overall message of the day was that Earth and all her children will win or lose together. The survival of the animal kingdom is directly dependent on the choices we humans make. People of faith need to take a leadership role in the stewardship of the earth. As pet owners we need to recognize the love, comfort and service we receive each day from our companions and working animals. For more information write Mary Sue Hannan , Celebration publicity coordinator, 230 Oak Grove St. #514, Minneapolis MN 55403; 612/870-2800. Home     Table of Contents