October 6, 2020

Westfield parish holds blessing of animals, memorial prayers

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Nick Morganelli

Rick, Hunter, Alicia, Ricky, and Kailynn LeTellier pose with their dog, Centavo.

WESTFIELD – For Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Oct. 4 was a special day as many gathered with their furry family members for the annual Blessing of the Animals.

“This year it’s especially wonderful because today is the feast of St. Francis,” said Father Daniel Pacholec, pastor. “We started this fifteen years ago when one of our parishioners, Kay Higgins, who had a love for animals and nature, came up with the idea. She has since passed and we continue this in her memory.

“We have not had a rainy day in all our years of having this and people come from Westfield and other neighboring communities to participate,” Father Pacholec said.

Also participating in the blessing were Deacons Paul Federici and Andrew Hogan, and newly ordained priest Father Valentine Nworah.

A memorial table was set for pictures of those pets that have passed on and a statuette of St. Francis. Father Nworah led the prayers in remembrance. “Today we remember all of our pets who have passed from this world and are part of the new world to come,” he prayed. “Console our hearts at their passing with gratitude, for the companionship they have given us and the care and love we have for them.”

The LeTellier family, who recently moved back into the area, are searching for a parish to call home and attended the blessing for the first time with their Rhodesian Ridgeback. This breed of dog is known for its loyalty and intelligence and has a strong-willed and mischievous temperament.

Bob and Trish Ragone, pose with their dogs, Ricky and Happy.

“We saw the story in the newspaper and haven’t had Centavo blessed yet, so we thought it would be great to do that and see the other animals today,” said Alicia LeTellier, mother and wife. “Our pets are family and this is a wonderful way to bless them.”

Father Nworah prayed the Blessing of the Animals saying: “Good St. Francis of Assisi, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to treat every living thing with care and kindness. St. Francis, patron of all of creation, watch over our pets, keep them healthy and safe, and may we always enjoy their company in this life and look forward to their presence one day in the new creation of heaven through Christ our Lord, Amen.”