Telluride's Christ Church: Blessing the Animals, October 9

02 Oct Telluride's Christ Church: Blessing the Animals, October 9

Once upon a few years ago, Telluride Inside… and Out interviewed a group of young Russian filmmakers visiting town for the Telluride Film Festival. What did they want to talk about most? How dogs in Telluride looked like their people and were everywhere. And how cool it was that dogs were treated like family. And so on… Anyone who lives in town and any observant guest – like the young Russians – know one thing for certain: Telluride is dog heaven.

On October 9, 10 – 11 a.m., Telluride’s Christ Church is, well, going to the dogs. And cats. Birds. Even gerbils. That Sunday is a belated celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, traditionally celebrated October 4.

Here’s the plan. On that special day, Reverend Pat Bailey welcomes all animals who play well with others into  his sanctuary for the regular service. At the end of the traditional congregation, everyone heads outside to the gardens and labyrinth for the Main Event: the Blessing of the Animals.

The Blessing of the Animals is most common in the Catholic church, but any church or religious community wanting to recognize the importance of animals in our lives can “borrow” the tradition sort of like people around the world of all faiths celebrating Christmas.

To learn more, click the “play” button and listen to what Reverend Pat Bailey has to say.