The blessed pets of Ballyphilip!
The Parish church in Portaferry was the setting for a very unusual service in September as we welcomed a variety of four legged friends to receive a blessing along with their owners.
What was amazing was how well behaved creatures were…even the humans! Elderly Bailie, the one eyed Chihuahua, helped Revd Gill with the prayers and Bobbie the Labrador welcomed everyone to the service. His greeting to Robbie, another Labrador, illustrated well the verse “love your neighbour as yourself “. Jane Birch smiled throughout the service with her lovely black spaniel Chloe whilst Revd Gill’s cat, Mozart, decided he wanted the freedom of Ballyphilip and managed it for a short time!
Every pet, including Master Peacock’s tortoise, Thor, received a blessing and, of course, every owner also received a blessing. The church rang to the appropriate “All things bright and beautiful” as well as readings from the wonderful Psalm 104 and the well known Genesis Chapter 1.
There were people in Church who had not been there for a very long time as well as those who attend regularly. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational service and the wonderful readings from God’s word reminded us of how God expects us all to care for our animals the way he cares for us. The Blessing of Animals Service was indeed a unique, refreshing service and one that will be remembered fondly for years to come.
With thanks to Elaine McFeeters