Blessing Of The Animals
- Oct 4, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 23
October 4, 2023
The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms is a non profit 501(c)(3) horse rescue and animal refuge located in Groveland. Florida. It's an organization comprising of a group of animal lovers who are transforming horses and livestock rescued from severe neglect, abandonment, abuse and starvation on a daily basis.
Miraculously, these helpless creatures are responding to a powerful blend of love, care and compassion from these kind souls and as a consequence, a healing phenomenon is taking place at the very appropriately named Sanctuary.
Wanting to add a spiritual dimension to their care mission, they contacted Barbara Hernandez, the parish secretary at Blessed Sacrament in nearby Clermont and asked if the church would come to the Sanctuary at Lakota Farms and offer a "Blessing of the Animals" service honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the legendary patron saint of animals and environment whose feast day is celebrated worldwide every October 4.
The church graciously sent Father Roy Eco who came to the ranch armed with a bucket of holy water, a divine presence of humility and charity, and an overwhelming love for God's creation. Much to the delight of the pet owners in attendance, an uplifting, spirit filled service took place. Father Roy reminded us of God's purpose for the animals who comfort us and are part of our lives in so many ways.
After dousing all the pets and owners, Father Roy made sure to visit each horse in their stalls where they attentively received an individual blessing and splash of holy water!
The "Blessing of the Animals" will now be an annual event at the Sanctuary at Lakota Farms and pet lovers will be welcome to come and celebrate this wonderful blessing ceremony every October 4.
