Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Blessing of Animals 100618
Blessing of Animals 100618
Rev. Paul Moore reads the blessing prayers for Tina Oldknow and her dog, Rubie, sitting at attention
Blessing of Animals 100618
Pastor John Cheek of the First Presbyterian Church, at left, takes part in the blessings, as people and their dogs (and a turtle) await their turns.
Blessing of Animals 100618
The Moore's turtle Churchy
Blessing of Animals 100618
Frankie checks out Churchy, who wisely retreated into his shell.
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From left, Rev. Oliver Obele, Pastor Cheek, Ursula and Ed Spencer, Oldknow, Rev. Moore, Karisse Moore, Jene Moseley, Sister Rita holding Frankie and Pastor Sarah Guck.
Blessing of Animals 100618
Manuel Tovar and Ichisan and Freya Alice Boyden and her dog recite and receive blessings.
Blessing of Animals 100618
Guck and Obele pet and bless Cassie and Intan, belonging to Lucy Olmgren.
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Cassie sings.
This year's blessing of the animals occurred on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Gough Park.At the annual blessing of animals on the Saturday closest to the liturgical day honoring St. Francis of Assisi, pastors and animal lovers with their pets, meet for the blessing of their pets. Truly an ecumenical gathering, a Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Oliver Obele of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church; and a nun, Sister Rita, Gila Regional Medical Center chaplain; the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Rev. Paul Moore, Rector, who organized the event, and Pastor Sarah Guck; and First Presbyterian Pastor John Cheek participated in the blessings of dogs, and at least one turtle.