Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As rain fell at The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms, Father Roy Eco of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Clermont led a pet blessing ceremony on October 4, marking the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This annual event, now in its third year, brings together rescued animals and their caretakers for a moment of reflection and blessing.

Bob McErlean, owner of the farm, has been rescuing horses and other animals since purchasing the property six years ago. He described his journey as unplanned but believes it is guided by faith. “God has made me their custodian, their guardian. I don’t know how I do it, but somehow it all falls into place,” McErlean said. “God is great. It’s a mission now.”

Volunteers and community members participated in the ceremony with their pets, some seeking blessings for aging or sick animals. Adriana Martin brought her 21-year-old cat, Jasmin, saying, “(Jasmin) is at the end of her lifespan so I want her to have the blessing because we don’t know when the Lord is going to decide to bring her over to the other side.”

Father Eco read from the Book of Blessing during the event: “God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life. God, who confers his gifts on all living things, has often used the service of animals or made them symbolic reminders of the gifts of salvation. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah (Gen 9:9-10). The paschal lamb brings to mind the Passover sacrifice and the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt (Exodus 12:3-14);agiantfishsavedJonah(Jonah2:1-11);ravensbroughtbreadtoElijah(1Kings17:6);animalswereincludedintherepentanceenjoined on humans (Jonah 3:7).”

He added that “animals share in Christ’s redemption for all creation.” The ceremony included prayers for both living pets and those remembered by their owners.

Reflecting on his experience with pets, Father Eco shared, “Having a pet really opens your eyes to how connected you are in a way that makes the relationship permanent. It’s an eye-opener because pets can read your mind, in a way, and you can relate to them. It is so meaningful because pets are like a brother or sister.” He continued, “(Pets) are so attracted to gentleness. It’s not about power. You have to be very gentle with them. It is something that calms you down. And whenever I play with (Maisie), it’s a lot of joy.”

The ceremony also recognized Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si on its tenth anniversary. Father Eco quoted from it: “When we can see God reflected in all that exists, our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all His creatures and to worship Him in union with them (LS 87).”

Tim O’Connor, former owner of Lakota Farms, expressed appreciation for McErlean’s efforts and for maintaining a tradition that honors both past and present animals on the property. “I’m impressed. I see the job Bob has done and the love he gives to all of the animals, and it’s amazing,” O’Connor said.

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and today includes 79 parishes across several counties in Central Florida. It is led by Bishop James Noonan and encompasses communities such as Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. More information can be found at https://www.orlandodiocese.org/.

McErlean said he feels honored by visitors who call his land “sacred.” “It’s the best compliment I can get,” he said.