Blessing of Animals
Monday 5 October
Animals, owners and celebrants gather for the Blessing of Animals service.
Some 20 or so dogs – of all shapes, sizes, colours and breeds – and Timmy, the solitary sheep, gathered with their owners and others on the grassed space of the Bulpadock this evening as the sun set slowly behind them.
They were assembled, at the invitation of College Chaplain the Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, for a special Blessing of Animals outdoor service to mark St Francis Day, also designated World Animal Day.
Guest speaker Dr Hugh Wirth, from RSPCA Victoria, challenged those present to extend their concern for the welfare of animals to all living creatures. Instrumental and vocal music was provided by students, including The Candystripes a capella group, while treats to reward their good behaviour were provided for the animals – and their owners.
This lively and somewhat unusual service drew very positive responses, including one student's appropriate summation: 'It was brilliant - for "all creatures great and small!"'
Blessing Timmy the sheep.
Dr Hugh Wirth delivers the address.