Blessing of animals shows the love people have for their pets

DEACON Don Devaney welcomed man’s best friend to the gates of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin recently.

This year’s ceremony took place on the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, making it all the more special.

As ‘Doggy in the Window’ played over the speakers, Deacon Don Devaney made his way around the church car park to bless each of the furry friends on a surprisingly warm and dry October afternoon.

Deacon Don stopped for a moment with a woman who brought her pet’s ashes alongside a framed photo of her special companion and ensured to bless them both.

Eddie Byrne and his wife Marie pulled out all the stops again this year, presenting four types of

“knockout” home-cooked fruit cake and an eclectic mix of stuffing for everyone in attendance, who sang their praises.

“The food was extremely high-end; you wouldn’t get it in a five-star hotel, and all home-cooked by myself and my wife, Marie.

“Marie got the hospitality end of it going, mixed in with the blessing, and it turned out magnificently,” Eddie said.

“Brian McElroy Funeral Directors have kindly and very generously sponsored our Blessing of the Animals for the past number of years. Without them, we could not operate at a 5-star level.”

Eddie explained the importance of days such as the Blessing of the Animals to parishioners, as it showcases the love that people have for their pets and is a perfect example of the light that animals bring to people’s lives.

Along with the food, people and furry friends, the weather also played its part on the day, with not a drop of rain to deter anyone from this year’s festivities.

“It was lovely to have it all outdoors because there’s kind of a special feel, a bit like a picnic, or a birthday in July. It was as if they were all getting a birthday present in the broadest sense of the word and hopefully went home feeling that they matter.”