Autumn brings fallen leaves, blessing of animals

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, October 6, 2008

As autumn arrives in Friberg Township, the leaves start to fall. Unlike other townships in Otter Tail County, the township — at Tonseth Lutheran Church — also has a blessing of the pets.

Debbie Samuelson, who lives one mile south of Edwards in Friberg Township, came up with the idea for a blessing of the pets three years ago, in 2005. She approached the Rev. Sandra Hollands who thought it was a good idea. The Tonseth parish council agreed.

“That first year we had 14 dogs and five horses blessed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon,” Samuelson said. “Part of the event included a procession of animals.”

The next year, in 2006, the procession included dogs, cats, horses and even hamsters.

The custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

A rainout led to cancellation of the procession in 2007. With rain again this year, the event included the blessing of the animals only in the lower level of Tonseth Lutheran Church.

The blessing of the animals has the wholehearted support of the current part-time pastor, the Rev. Gordon Grage.

“As a youth I attended Sunday school in this church,” he said, “ and as a boy I loved animals. I still do.”

Grage became a minister at the midpoint of his life. He worked 20 years as an auto mechanic in Fergus Falls, later becoming ordained in 1979 at the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations in Minneapolis.

He served parishes at Brandon, Swan Lake and at Kasson and Dexter in southern Minnesota before returning to this area 14 years ago.

“The blessing of the animals is brought before the parish council each year,” Samuelson said. “And each year they’ve graciously said yes to our request.”

Companion Animal Hospital in Fergus Falls provided treats for the pets Sunday afternoon.

The blessings included these word from the Rev. Grage, “Lord, be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish that fill our world. May we think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets.”