Expert Reveals New Church Trend: Laying on of the…Paws

Diana L Guerrero, pet blessing expert and author of Blessing Of The Animals: A Guide To Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets And Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677) says some churches and spiritual centers have really gone to the dogs. The trend of laying on of the...paws is sweeping the globe and escalates in late September and early October. Learn more about the blessing of the animals trends sweeping the globe.

Big Bear Lake, CA (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- A new trend is escalating across the nation as churches and other spiritual centers are welcoming non-human congregants. Instead of a laying on of the hands they are laying on of the…paws. Okay, so maybe that isn't exactly what they are doing--but animals are becoming increasingly involved in churches and other spiritual centers.

During late September and early October a large percentage of pet blessings take place in conjunction with the celebrations of St Francis and World Animal Day. However, innovative clergy are attracting new membership by offering additional services.

Diana L Guerrero said, "Today 63% of households in America have pets and so pet blessings and other celebrations are on the rise--and this trend will continue to escalate. In response, many churches now welcome pets by holding pet friendly services and by extending their outreach to furry family members."

Guerrero is a pet blessing expert and the author of Blessing Of The Animals: A Guide To Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets And Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677) a new book that explores the long traditions of pet blessings and contemporary trends such as pet parties and pet memorials.

During her work on Blessing Of The Animals Guerrero interviewed many spiritual leaders about their animal blessings and other services. Her research revealed that animals catalyze people to cross religious lines to find common ground and that contemporary ceremonies have become mainstream staples of the metro pet crowd.

She also found that there were church services that really have gone to the dogs. Two of those included in Blessing Of The Animals are the Hymns & Hounds Church in Orlando, Florida and the pet friendly St Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut.

Although there are many types of animal blessings and other services that occur throughout the year, the October 4th celebrations of the Feast Day of St Francis and World Animal Day are the most popular.

On the Feast Day of St Francis churches across the globe celebrate with blessing of the animals. St. Francis is the Catholic patron saint of animals and the environment (ecology) and was the founder of the Catholic Franciscan Order. St. Francis believed that all God's creations reveal something about the nature of God and God's love.

Guerrero said, "Anecdotal accounts about animal blessings surface frequently, going back to the 4th Century but actual documentation is scarce. The St Francis blessing tradition goes back to the early 13th Century however the tradition was previously linked to St Anthony of the Desert which goes back to a much earlier time."

World Animal Day, originally established in 1931, was conceived by a group of ecologists as a way to highlight the plight of endangered species, but it wasn't until 2003 when it became a worldwide celebration of animal life of all types. The event occurs in conjunction with the Feast Day of St Francis.

"Blessing events are usually peaceable kingdoms." Guerrero continued, "Sometimes animals are restless, but most cooperate. That is because they have a list of commandments: Thou shall come when called, Thou shall behave in public..."

If you are interested in the other commandments Guerrero included ten in Blessing Of The Animals: A Guide To Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets And Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677). The book is available at booksellers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom or online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

Guerrero's Tips for Successful Pet Blessings:
1.   Decide whether an indoor of outdoor location is best for the event.
2.   Set arrival times, event phases, and an end time.
3.   Designate special areas for waiting, toileting, or social activities.
4.   Set parameters and rules in advance.
5.   Choose between a processional or individual visitations.
6.   Provide some sort of blessing memento.
7.   Request that all participating animals be safely restrained on a leash or in a carrier.
8.   Invite people to bring photos or representations of their deceased pets or aggressive animals.
9.   Take photos.
10.   Enjoy!

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