|
While many believe the blessing of the animals began with St. Francis of Assisi, the origin animal blessing has as many parents as a dog has fleas. In the early days, the Blessing was held on January 17th, the day of San Antonio de Abad, but cold weather promoted a change. Olvera Street near Downtown Los Angeles has celebrated the Blessing of the Animals since 1930, and will continue the tradition on Saturday, April 7, 2007 from noon to 5:00 PM.
Olvera Street’s tradition dates back to the third or fourth century when San Antonio de Abad (St. Anthony of the Desert) began blessing animals.
San Antonio de Abad is a religious holiday during which the Catholic Church used to allow animals to enter the church for blessing. In those days, the people would take their animals to the padre to receive a fertility blessing. The ceremony was held in grateful recognition of the tremendous services given to the human race by animals.
At Olvera Street on the Saturday before Easter (Sabado de Gloria), brightly adorned animals and their human companions assemble in the historic Plaza. At 2 p.m., a procession, led Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony and the merchants of Olvera Street, will wind its way up the street and past the platform where the Cardinal will bless each animal as it goes by. A cow, decorated with flowers, will head the procession. She will have the honor of going first because according to tradition, she is the animal who gives most to humanity.
In the past, cows, cats, dogs, snakes, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, opossums, hamsters, birds, monkeys, llamas, camels, chickens and peacocks have graced Olvera Street.
In giving the blessing, the right arm of the priest holding the receptacle of holy water is held high so that crystal drops fall on each animal as he chants the following benediction:
"Almighty Father, we bless these animals for all they have done in supplying our food, in carrying our burdens, providing us with clothing and companionship and tendering a service to the human race since the world began."
All are invited to bring his or her animals and pets to take part in this colorful procession and to receive a blessing. We hope you will join us!
|
