FRANCISCAN Father Harry Chan loves animal blessing day.
Everyone at Australian Catholic University’s Banyo campus is invited to bring their pet along for a blessing by campus chaplain Fr Chan – a job that keeps him on his toes.
At one point, he was caught in the spitting image of his founder St Francis of Assisi with a chicken tucked under one arm, a horse nibbling at the other and a goat drinking water at his feet.
Fr Chan said ACU animal blessing day was “to honour God for his creation and praise Him for his wonderful creatures”.
Last year, the animal blessing was unable to go ahead because of the pandemic.
During these difficult times, pets have been a real comfort to many people, Fr Chan said.
“I got a few friends in New South Wales and Victoria and they’re really struggling,” he said.
“Their pets keep them company and… they’re good companions.”
Dozens of students stopped by the event on the lawn behind Holy Spirit Chapel between classes to pet the animals.
A petting zoo with a llama, a goat, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs drew lots of students.
A racehorse even stopped by.
Among the dozen canine friends at the event was Archie, a therapy dog from KM Smith Funeral Directors.
Archie was there with Jenny McIntosh.
“When some people lose a loved one, one of the hardest things is walking through the door of the funeral home – it’s very overwhelming and it’s unknown territory,” she said.
“Archie greets people at the door, especially with children if they’ve lost a grandparent… and he just has this really calming effect.
“And when we have our services in our Kate Mary Chapel, he will greet people at the door and put people at ease.”
She said he also keeps the staff on their toes and brings joy to their day.
The animal blessing took place in a liturgy, which called to mind the importance of caring for God’s creation.
Fr Chan said we see God in people through His image and likeness but also “in nature – in the environment and all living creatures”.
He said the animal blessing was one of the most popular days of the year on campus and he loved to see so many people taking part.
