The Tribune

On Sunday, October 7, St Christopher’s Church in Lyford Cay held its annual Blessing of the Animals in

honour of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The church was packed with dogs of every size and colour, some keeping up with the singing, with a woof here and there.

Archdeacon Keith Cartwright delivered a very moving sermon about the importance of animals in our lives and how they are our “loved ones”, these faithful friends who are unconditionally there for us in times of need.

“Go out and tell your friends about your pet,” Archdeacon Cartwright urged the congregation. “Encourage your friends to adopt a pet into their lives”.

Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS), also gave a brief address to the congregation,

asking everybody in church to bring one extra friend next year to double the congregation and awareness. “I know that today, I am preaching to the converted,” Mrs Aranha said. “I look out and I see people looking back at me who know the meaning of responsible animal ownership. I know the people here today understand the spiritual link between companion animals and their owners, I see people who understand the link between animal abuse and spousal abuse.

“It is a privilege to be with people who understand what the human-animal bond is all about”.

The service lasted about 40 minutes, and all the animals were sprinkled with Holy Water. There was a very happy and relaxed atmosphere in the church – one of loving, giving, and sharing the good news.

Mrs Aranha said she would love to see other churches in New Providence and the Family Islands take up the tradition of celebrating St Francis of Assisi Day with a blessing of the animals.

“We must never lose sight that they are God’s creatures”, she reminded us.