By Fr. Justin Fulton
Every once in a while I meet up with a mentor and good friend of mine Dr. Kathy Farrell, dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Business. Dr. Farrell was my last professor during my undergrad years.
I remember giving her my last final in December of 2003. I turned in my test for Finance 461, smiled, shook her hand and said, “Well, Dr. Farrell. That is it for me and college learning.”
She responded something to the effect of “Well, Justin, we will see about that....” Dr. Farrell was right. Somehow after getting that UNL degree I went on and got a few more and out of all of that I became a priest... proof that God exists, I reckon.
My friend Dr. Farrell is a strong woman, brilliant leader, devoted wife, and loving mother. She’s also a prophet, predicting I would have an opportunity to learn more, and she teaches others how to profit as the College of Business Dean!
At our last meet-up Dr. Farrell shared that she and her husband Sam recently bought a “pandemic puppy.” With an empty nest at home, Sam and Kathy, being quarantined like all of us, decided to get a dog for some good companionship, fun, responsibility, and joy. Their dog Groot has brought even more character, pizzazz, and fun into their home.
God’s very first words to man were, “Be fertile and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” Everything God created was given to man to care for and to use for the glory of God and the buildup of His Kingdom.
Animals were given to man so we could subdue the earth and have joy. Our pets were gifted to us from God so we could learn responsibility, life lessons, and experience joy. Animals help us till the ground, feed the hungry, and give us the joy of companionship. Animals are a blessing.
St. Francis of Assisi understood this teaching and loved animals. CSS in Lincoln will celebrate the gift pets are to us as we hold a pet blessing at our St. Joseph Center parking lot, 22nd and O streets in Lincoln at 4 p.m. Oct. 2. We will honor God’s marvelous work in all of His creation.
We will recognize that all of God’s creation rightly gives Him praise. We will ask God to bless the animals that come into our homes to give us companionship, laughter, joy, and help teach us life lessons and responsibility.
The Order for the Blessing of Animals states beautifully: O God, the author and giver of every gift, animals also are part of the way you provide help for our needs and labors. We pray, through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, that you will make available for our use the things we need to maintain a decent human life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spread the word to any and all and bring your pets to the parking lot at 4 p.m. Oct. 2 for the blessing. Of course, clean up after your pets and smile, knowing that God loves all of His creation—including you.
May we celebrate the gift of creation and live life greatly! May God bless us all.
