Blessing of the animals at St. Luke Cedar Hill
By Claire White
Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, was bright and sunny, a perfect day to host the annual blessing of the animals service at St. Luke Cedar Hill.
The sun streamed into the church and lit up the altar as we waited to see who would come through our doors on two or four legs. We were not disappointed and had over 30 two-legged attendees and many four-legged friends.
Lyle McKenzie, co-pastor at Lutheran Church of the Cross, took the service as St Luke incumbent Daniel Fournier was away on vacation. This was a very special service for Lyle as he had never conducted a blessing of animals service before. He was in for a treat!
It is a lovely to see God’s creatures come into a sacred place. It is also amazing to witness that when they came into the church, they calmed down, did not bark or meow, and behaved themselves. Yes, I am talking about the four-legged creatures and not the two-legged varieties, who also behaved themselves!
A selection of dogs, cats and bunnies received a blessing from Lyle. He even brought his 40-year-old turtle, Slider, for a blessing as well. Those whose faithful companions are no longer with us brought photos and stories to share with and also received a blessing.
The blessing of the animals service welcomes everyone who may not always attend our other worship services. They know there is a warm reception from the family of St. Luke any time they walk through those doors and beyond, both the two-legged and four-legged creatures. God bless them all.
See more photos in the gallery below from animal blessing services at St George, Cadboro Bay; St Michael and All Angels, Chemainus; and Christ Church Cathedral.
Thanksgiving and giving thanks
For their Thanksgiving service on Oct. 11, St. Luke, Victoria parishioners contributed 460 lbs of fruit, veggies, and canned food. The food was used to decorate the church and altar. Following the service, all of the fresh and canned produce was donated to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen pantry program.
A quiet place to speak to lost loved ones
A number of months ago St. Anne and St. Edmunds parish council agreed to a new idea. This idea was something a little bit different but was approved in hopes that it might bring a little comfort, a little peace and a safe space for anyone who is carrying the weight of grief.
I am pleased to announce our wind phone is now up and ready for use. In case you dont know, a Wind Phone s a disconnected telephone placed in a quiet, natural outdoor setting — such as a garden, park or cemetery. The phone offers people a safe place, to symbolically “call” and speak to deceased loved ones and let those words be carried on the wind.
May all those who need a safe place to sit, to pray, to share thoughts and hopes with loved ones who have died, find their way to this spot in our cemetery…. and let this sacred place be a bridge to those who’ve been lost.
By Kirsten Evenden
