The feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals, is Oct. 4. The feast day often is an opportunity for pet owners to have their pets blessed and to reflect on the special role pets play.
Founder of the Franciscan Order, Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria, in 1181. He died on Oct. 4, 1226, at age 45. He is the patron saint of ecologists and merchants.
Below, a few priests, deacons and religious men and women talk about their beloved pets.
Archbishop Paul Coakley Bella – Golden Doodle
Visitors to Archbishop Coakley’s residence are met by a bounding energetic pup, who has been a part of the Catholic Pastoral Center campus since April 2019.
“She is a wonderful companion and keeps me busy!” Archbishop Coakley said.
Bella enjoys the vast space available at the chancery, watching the wildlife from skunks to armadillos roam the grounds. She’s also a fan of long walks and drives. With Archbishop Coakley’s sometimes busy schedule that includes stints out of town, she also spends time with dog friends and kids at others’ homes.
Bella is Archbishop Coakley’s second dog. While serving as a priest in Wichita, he had a dalmatian named Annie.
Brother Isidore Harden, O.S.B., Saint Gregory’s Abbey Copper – King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Donated as a companion dog for Brother Andrew when he was living, Copper has become a community mascot around Saint Gregory’s Abbey. Copper is cared for by Brother Isidore Harden, O.S.B., and Brother Peter Shults, although they admit, many have taken a liking to this playful companion.
“Copper’s calm, yet playful, personality has been a reminder of God's goodness present in all his creation. From his morning walk to his nightly treat, Copper is always happy to see the brothers. When Brother Andrew neared the end of his life, Copper was a constant source of comfort and companionship. He not only was surrounded by the brothers of the abbey, Copper sat calmly and quietly at the foot of Brother Andrew's bed. I'm grateful for Copper and his playful demeanor that reminds us all that no matter how old we are, we are still God's children,” Brother Peter said.
Brother Isidore, a former therapeutic horseback instructor, said Copper is a constant companion, and may be the first dog permitted inside the monastery.
“The nursing home allowed me to bring in Copper and he jumped right up on the foot of Brother Andrew’s bed,” Brother Isidore said.
Sister Mary Ann O’Kane, I.H.M., Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Monroe, Mich. Pet caregiver
Over the past 20 years, Sister Mary Ann O’Kane, I.H.M., has formed a deep relationship with the people and pets she has helped. Mainly watching dogs and cats, Sister Mary Ann said she treats the animals as if they were her own.
“It’s a wonderful ministry,” she said. “I love what I do.”
Sister O’Kane, who also tries to do pet rescue when she can, said it’s not just about pet sitting, “It is pet care.”
“Saint Francis is my favorite saint,” she said. She recalled saying the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis many times and sharing countless pet stories during her more than 15 years of ministry as chaplain at Mercy Health Center.
“Pets are so special, and you form a relationship with them, there’s always something to laugh about, always something to share, even as a chaplain, if people told me they have a pet, it creates a relaxing atmosphere and a bond that people can relate to.”
Sister Maria of the Trinity Rosie - German Shepherd
On a cold, wet day in October, a pretty German Shepherd puppy began begging to come inside to get out of the pouring rain. “She just showed up,” Sister Maria said.
At the same time, Sister Maria said they had a resident living with them, Sandy, who was from Germany.
“She always had German Shepherds,” Sister Maria said. “She had lost her husband and her dogs and showed up on a stretcher with only a stuffed German Shepherd.”
Sister Maria, who oversees the Gospel of Life Dwelling, a ministry that provides a home and care for the elderly poor, said the vet was called to see if there was a chip or anyone to claim the dog. When neither a chip nor owner were identified, she agreed they could keep her.
“God had this live one that showed up just for her,” she said.
They named the dog “Rosie” because she showed up on the feast day of the Rosary. Rosie would keep Sandy company, even in her final moments, as she sat quietly at the foot of her bed.
“The dogs are therapeutic for the residents,” said Sister Maria, who tries to keep one dog at each G.O.L.D. house, when possible.
Deacon Cliff Fitzmorris, Saint John Nepomuk Catholic Church, Yukon Sherman - Schnoodle
Deacon Fitzmorris said dogs have been an important part of his family’s life. Their current pet, Sherman, was a rescue dog. Fitzmorris said it’s a hard thing to lose a pet.
“People don’t realize when people lose a dog or a pet that has been part of their life, especially someone living on their own or if they are a child, that is a grief experience. For a child, this might be their first significant grief experience.”
“This is a good time to talk about that part of our faith,” he said. “Pets are a great example of unconditional love.”
“Anytime we can bring love or nurturing or care into our lives, that is a good thing that brings us closer to God. Having a pet in the family does that.”
Father William Novak, vicar general and pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Oklahoma City Bullet – French Bulldog
At almost two years old, Father Novak said his French Bulldog, Bullet, is friendly and would go home with anyone.
“He snores at night but rarely barks,” Father Novak said.
Bullet loves going on walks and playing with other dogs. Father Novak said he has to keep an eye on him because he “doesn’t know when to stop and he gets overheated.”
Father Novak says Bullet is a wonderful companion.
“He makes me laugh and I enjoy taking care of him.”
Brother George Hubl, O.S.B., Saint Gregory’s Abbey Salmon Faverolle chickens
Brother George said there are four different varieties of chickens roaming around Saint Gregory’s Abbey, but one breed in particular stands out in a special way: the Salmon Faverolle chickens.
He said they are a symbolic breed that came out of France in the 1870s much like the monks who came to the monastery in 1876.
“They are a docile bread,” said Brother George, who helps oversee the care of the chickens.
Brother George said the monks and employees enjoy watching them outside their windows. He said the chickens not only offer a source of entertainment, but help people with depression and boredom.
“They give me exercise,” he said. Brother George helps put up the chickens at night and lets them out in the morning in addition to helping lift hundreds of pounds of feed.
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
The Blessing of Animals
Christ the King Catholic Church 8005 Dorset Dr., OKC 9 a.m. Oct. 2 - north parking lot
Church of the Epiphany of the Lord 7336 W. Britton Rd., OKC 10 a.m. Oct. 2 - patio area in west parking lot
St. Monica Catholic Church 2001 N. Western Ave., Edmond 8:15 a.m. Oct. 3 - front lawn
St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church 1576 Tim Holt Dr., Harrah 11:15 a.m. Oct. 3 - north side of church
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 12 SW 7, Lawton 1:30 p.m. Oct. 3 - parish hall parking lot
Sister BJ's Pantry 819 NW 4th St., Oklahoma City 3 p.m. Oct. 3 - on school playground
St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church 600 S. Garth Brooks Blvd., Yukon 4 p.m. Oct. 3 - outside parish
Holy Trinity Catholic Church 211 Missouri Ave., Okarche 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 – on field near the school
St. Thomas More Catholic Church 1535 Jenkins Ave., Norman 6 p.m. Oct. 4 - parking lot
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 1901 NW 18, OKC 9:30 a.m. Oct. 9 - front steps