This Sunday: Blessing of the Animals

One of our Turkish guides, Atilla, shared a legend with us: While the Prophet Muhammad was praying, a poisonous viper slithered up behind him and prepared to strike. A household cat leaped to his aid and killed the snake. Atilla said that is one of many reasons Turkish folkx love cats so much! He also told us cats are believed by Muslims to possess barakah, which refers to a blessing power that flows through those who are spiritually closest to God.

There were cats everywhere in Turkey, especially in Istanbul. I think Clive stopped to pet most of them (which foreshadowed his future as a cat dad). And the cats in Turkey are remarkably loved and well taken care of by the community. There are non-profit catch-and-release programs for spaying/neutering and veterinary care. There are even automated cat care stations where you can put in coins of any denomination to dispense food and water. I don’t think we ever saw one empty. I was deeply touched by this kindness toward our four legged friends. They really are considered part of the community. We can learn a lot about cat care from our siblings in Turkey.

This Sunday, October 11, in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis, we will be honoring and blessing our animal friends that bless us so deeply in return. Feel free to bring pictures and stories about how the animals in your life have given you joy. You can also bring your actual creature- if they feel like attending worship. And don’t forget the wild creatures in our lives- we will bless them too.

Ironically, Zoom worship is a great place to bless our animal friends who may be skittish, or who may not be feeling the ride in a carrier to the church. I look forward to being with you for this beloved celebration. And I’m excited it will be Olive Apollo’s first blessing!

See you and your beloved and blessed creatures on Zoom! — Rev. Jeanne