Living in Key Biscayne, we are surrounded by the marvels of God‘s glorious creations like golden sunsets, sparkling sunrises, the vastness of the deep blue ocean, wide beaches, lush Palms, exotic birds and animals. It is only fitting that Saint Christopher’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, as do many Christian churches, celebrate the feast of Saint Francis, the patron saint of the environment, animals and ecology.
This service will be held at 10 a.m., on Sunday, Oct. 4, with the annual blessing of the animals service. The entire Key Biscayne community is invited to bring their pets — Dogs on leash and cats in carriers. You may bring a photo of your pet and children may bring stuffed animals to be blessed by the Reverend Willie Allen Faiella, priest in charge.
A furry friend waiting for their turn to be blessed at St. Chris.
“I always marvel how the pets, especially dogs, seem to understand on some level that something special, dare I say holy, is going on,” Rev. Faiella said. “They pick up on the energy of their owners, are happy to greet each other when they arrive and then turn quite peaceful during the more reflective parts of the service. We are shocked at how well our dogs behaved last year.
“It must have been the Holy Spirit,” said Dr. Jeff and Maria Serrano Brosco, church members of their 8-year-old Morkie Dante — a yorkie and Maltese mix – and 3-year-old Maltese and papillon mix rescue dog, Giulia.
Isabel Lamas, Junior warden of the church said “the blessing of the animals is a wonderful tradition at Saint Christophers as not only do our parishioners and school families come out, but there are many in the Key Biscayne community who join us. I’ll be there with my 13-year-old mutt, Rocky. “
Church member Ken Noto said “We ask God‘s blessing on our smaller family members and best friends on this special Sunday. The blessing of our pets signifies our love for that special part of his creation; our companions and we ask God to bless our special friends and companions who are an extension of his love for us.”
Noto’s wife Carol Zeiner added, “it is a fun way to show our love for the amazingly sentient pets who are a part of our lives, and to recognize their part in God‘s kingdom.”
Two of the Key’s golden retrievers being blessed at St. Chris.
Martha Lucia Gonzalez, school employee and church member, shared “Lord, thank you for blessing me with the silent, wise and loving companionship of my cat, a small yet perfect reflection of your creation. Thank you for its tenderness, its companionship and for reminding me every day of the beauty of your love through your creatures.”
Church member Karen Scott added,” I’ve been blessed to have five dogs in my life. They each brought me joy, comfort, unconditional love, protection and even healing when I needed it. Dog is God spelled backwards, perhaps that is because dogs are God’s special gift to us.”
Parishioner Kate Asturias is eager to bring her six-year-old mini cockapoo Charlie.
“This is Charlie’s first visit to Saint Christopher’s and it’s only fitting. He is the one receiving the blessing. He is more than the humble brethren, as described by Saint Francis. Charlie is unconditional love and a faithful friend; celebrating him in my church with Reverend Willie makes my heart very happy” said Kate Asturias,
St Christopher’s-by-the-Sea is located on 95 Harbor Rd., on Key Biscayne.