CHESTERTOWN — Heron Point residents with their canine companions come together under the portico of the retirement community in Chestertown on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 4 as Chaplain Daron Miller leads a Blessing of the Animals service.
Miller, a nondenominational chaplain, acknowledged that he was a month late with the ceremony as Blessing of the Animals is typically held around Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Tuesday’s service, which lasted about 20 minutes, included an invocation, reading of Scripture and Psalm 104, responsive reading, a moment of remembrance for pets who have passed on and a message from Chaplain Miller.
In his blessing over the animals, Chaplain Miller prayed, “… Bless these animals today. Keep them healthy, safe and loved. For those who care for them, grant patience, kindness and compassion. For those whose animals have passed, bring comfort and peace.”
— Photo by Trish McGee
