Father Brent Stull, CO, associate pastor of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, tries to give the bird a gentle pat after its blessing. The bird was having none of it. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
As the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi — patron saint of animals — approached, The Leaven sent photographers out into the wild to photograph various parishes’ blessing of the animals events.
Deacon Jim Mullin, a permanent deacon at Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood, gets a hardy paw shake from Penny the Goldendoodle at the parish’s blessing of the animals on Oct. 4. Joining Penny is her family, the Murphys. From left, are Jacob, Emma, Hailey and Sean. In the background is their mother Meaghan. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
People brought all creatures great and small — but mostly dogs — to be blessed.
Father Mitchel Zimmerman, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, offers a dose of holy water for the surrounding pets in an open field on the parish grounds. The early morning blessing on Oct. 3 brought out a good crowd of animal lovers. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Here are a few of our favorites.
Father Mark Goldasich, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie — and editor of The Leaven — offers a blessing to Azul the Fish. “Azul” is Spanish for “blue,” the color of the fish. Accompanying Azul is proud owner and second grader Luka Eastes. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
