Paddington Uniting Church brought prayer, hospitality and care for creation into the public square on Saturday 28 February, holding its inaugural Blessing of the Animals service alongside the regular Paddington Markets.
The service drew both planned participants and curious market-goers, creating an occasion that was as much about encounter and conversation as it was about the blessing itself.
Organiser Tazz Caldwell described the event as deeply shaped by the spirit of St Francis. “St Francis was a man who had the courage to appear the fool to the world,” she said. “St Francis kissed lepers, ministered to birds and preached peace in war zones.”
For Ms Caldwell, holding such a service in the middle of a busy market in a largely secular part of inner Sydney was itself a small act of courage. “Our message is that we are here, and we have something to show Paddington about the way of life in Jesus Christ,” she said. While some people joined in, others simply watched from a distance – and perhaps, she suggested, walked away wondering.
The market setting shaped the day in unexpected ways. Some people had seen advertisements and arrived ready to take part. Others were invited on the spot by church members who were themselves accompanied by dogs.
Ms Caldwell observed that those who came specifically for the blessing often departed soon afterwards, while those drawn in from the market were more likely to stay for morning tea and conversation with members of the congregation. The experience reminded her of the parable of the great feast in Luke 14. “God is always moving where I least expect,” she said.
Reflecting on the meaning of blessing, Ms Caldwell said it involves praying for “good and life-giving things” for companion animals, while also recognising the responsibility of human carers. The service, she said, was a reminder of the spiritual call to care for animals in ways that allow them to live full lives.
That call was also expanded beyond pets to the whole created world. During the service, Uncle Ray Minniecon reflected on Colossians 1:15-17, saying: “When we bless animals today, we are not performing a ritual of sentiment. We are renewing a covenant – to protect what is vulnerable, to honour what sustains us, and to remember that salvation itself is cosmic in scope.”
For information about services and activities at Paddington Uniting Church contact the Rev. Raymond Minniecon: raymin@me.com
