Pets Celebrate at St. Benedict's Church
The Church of St. Benedict in Bolingbrook celebrated the feast of St. Francis with an annual Blessing of the Animals.
Little Max, a three-month old Golden Retriever, barked at a nearby beagle throughout the opening hymn, which caused Cricket, a black cat in a cerulean sweater, to seek refuge in the lining of his owner's jacket. Sunday marked the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and Max and Cricket were among the scores of pets that came out to the Church of St. Benedict to receive their annual blessing. And blessed they were–even if staying on their best behavior was a little difficult. "People consider animals such huge sources of love, and we are happy as a church to bless them," said Heidi Haverkamp, St. Benedict's priest. She said every living thing has a sacred side, and a blessing is a way to recognize that holiness. St. Francis is known to …
