Maggie Penman
On another day, the barking of a dog during a religious service might be an unwelcome interruption. But at the Blessing of the Animals on the steps of Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, the sound perfectly punctuated the opening prayer.
“This is one of the most joyful services that we have,” the Rev. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan said. She joined the cathedral nearly a decade ago and looks forward to this day every year. “It’s not just about the people who worship here at the cathedral. This is for the community.”
The event honors the feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. Hundreds of people have flocked to the cathedral on the first Sunday of October for decades, bringing dogs, cats, bunnies, parrots and even snakes to receive a blessing.
“About four years ago, there was a hedgehog that was a little bit aggressive,” Duncan recalled, laughing. “He wanted to take a part of me with him, but it’s all good.”
Duncan blessed the hedgehog and escaped the interaction unscathed. The most unusual pet she remembers blessing was a rat.
“I’m used to gerbils and hamsters and guinea pigs. The rat threw me off just a little bit,” Duncan said. “I don’t mind the reptiles at all. They’re all God’s creatures.”
This year, there were no hedgehogs or snakes - but there was a tarantula that a clergy member blessed (from a safe distance).
The event began with a prayer service and a reading from the book of Genesis, reminding the people congregated that God created every living creature. Then the ministers walked into the crowd and sprinkled holy water, saying a prayer for each animal.
Lee Pearson brought her 14-year-old dog, Lucy.
“She has kidney disease,” Pearson said. “She’s staying strong in her senior years, but I hope that the blessing helps those kidneys fight and keep her healthy.”
Pearson said that she isn’t particularly religious. “But maybe Lucy is,” she said.
Every year, Gene and Jessica Chun drive 45 minutes from Elkridge, Maryland to bring their bunnies, Sky and Grace, to the event. Both rabbits are 7 years old and Jessica Chun attributes their excellent health to the pilgrimage.
“It’s a beautiful place and a beautiful event,” Gene Chun said.
Brittany Bansak brought her cat, Finn, “for the good juju.” He’s 2 years old and healthy, but Bansak hopes the blessing provides protection.
Erich Parker brought his dog, 5-year-old Petunia, because she “needs a blessing.” Petunia ruptured a disc in her back about a year ago and required surgery. She has walked with the assistance of a wheelchair on her back legs ever since. She has a lot of anxiety but seemed to enjoy being outside and cuddling with Parker.
Andrea Corell brought Soren, a 12-year-old Corgi-Labrador mix, to the cathedral.
“He belonged to my dad,” Corell said. “After he passed away he became a family dog.” Her father stipulated in his will that Soren remain in the family, and stay supplied with treats and tummy rubs.
Masha Kalinina and her mom and stepdad stood near the steps of the cathedral with tearstained cheeks and a small jar of their dog’s ashes. They come to the services here every Sunday, and for many years brought their dog, Dulce, to be blessed. Dulce died of cancer in August, and the family is hoping that this year’s blessing will give them some closure.
“It’s hard to say goodbye,” Kalinina’s mother, Maya Ormsby, said. “She got us through some tough times.” During the pandemic, Ormsby said, she appreciated the sense of purpose Dulce gave her, getting her outside every day for a walk.
After Dulce’s ashes were blessed by the clergy, the family walked to the Bishop’s Garden, a place they often took their dog. They each read her a letter and sprinkled her ashes on the grass near a bench.
Ormsby said that Dulce seemed to know this garden was a holy place.
“She was very quiet here, very respectful,” Maya said.