Lauren Laskowsky ‘29
From the outside, you may wonder why people’s beloved critters or furry companions roam the chapel with their student and teacher owners. This chapel service starts promptly at the beginning of the day, unlike our other services, which take place after the second period. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see the adorable, cute, and chubby pets of the St. Mark’s community? If you like to sit in the back and doze off during the regular weekly chapel services, you definitely don’t want to miss this opportunity to sit in the front row for this special service! A hands-on, interactive chapel is certainly a nice change once in a while.
The Blessing of the Animals is a unique annual tradition at St. Mark’s School. During this morning chapel service, owners may bring their pets to be blessed by our head chaplain, Reverend Katie Solter. Catholic and Episcopal schools nationwide observe this tradition on the day of St. Francis.
This day is commemorated in the Christian faith to honor St. Francis of Assisi. Here at St. Mark’s, Reverend Solter says, “For the Feast of St. Francis at this chapel, we celebrate his belief in the interrelationship of all creatures, and especially as he called her 'Our sister Mother Earth, ' and the beloved animals”. She refers to the Canticle of the Creatures, by St. Francis, as a reference for why we practice this tradition each year.
Meet one of our award-winning and astounding four-legged friends: Storm, an award-winning Newfoundland owned by Connor Moore ‘27! Storm won first place for Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
Blessing of the Animals, Photographer: Jenna Nastri