Orleans United Methodist Church Hosts Annual Blessing Of The Animals

ORLEANS – Keeper excitedly leapt out of her owner’s SUV Saturday at the United Methodist Church, where Rev. Wesley Machado Silva was waiting for him. After greeting the golden retriever and his owner, Janet Yeutter, Silva crouched down and gave him a blessing.

Keeper was one of a number of pets that stopped by the church parking lot last weekend for this year’s Blessing of the Animals. The service has long been part of the Methodist tradition, Silva said.

“But due to the COVID stuff, many churches stopped doing this,” he said. “Now we’re getting better and coming back step by step, and we decided last year to restart.”

About 10 animals stopped by the church in the event’s first hour. Each owner was given a certificate of blessing at the end of their visit.

“May (insert animal’s name here) continue to be a source of joy, companionship and love in your life, and may God’s grace be with both of you on your journey together,” the certificate read in part.

Silva said in many cases, people want blessings for their pets the same way they might for their children, relatives or friends.

“I’m sure people see their pets not just like pets, but members of their family,” he said. “It’s the same thing.”

Blessings were also provided and certificates were made out to others who could not attend in person. One woman at the church Saturday had a certificate filled out for “the Lo Adoro dogs,” who are frequent visitors to her son’s Italian market in Sandwich. People also were invited to bring photos of their pets or stuffed animals for blessing.

Silva said dogs and cats are typically brought by for a little healing touch, but other pets were also invited.